Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping that defender William Saliba can return from his back injury in time to play a crucial role in helping the Gunners final run in the Premier League title race.

Saliba limped off during the second leg of Arsenal’s Europa League quarterfinal loss to Sporting Lisbon and missed the win over Crystal Palace prior to the most recent international break.

The French central defender, who had participated in every league game this season prior to his injury, will miss Saturday’s match against Leeds.

But Arsenal manager Arteta believes he will be able to play for the Premier League leaders in the coming weeks as they pursue their first championship since 2004.

“He is progressing. Unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back and we are trying to manage it in the best possible way,” Arteta told reporters.

“He is not going to be fit for this game. We are trying, he is trying, to do everything he can to feel better and get him back training, but not yet.

“I am very hopeful and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky…

“He is very positive about it, the medical staff are positive about it. Let’s push it every day, a little bit, and see how he can cope with that and how the pain develops as well.”

Arteta dismissed concerns that Saliba may require surgery, but he could not provide a precise return date.

“Hopefully we get the right load for him, the right amount of rest that he needs while we’re keeping him active. Then the pain starts to go away and we’ll be more comfortable with the images we have of him,” he said.

Eight points separate Arsenal from second-place Manchester City, who will face a difficult test against Liverpool just hours before Arsenal hosts Leeds.

City has a game in hand over Arsenal, but the north Londoners control the title’s fate.

While Saliba remains sidelined, Arteta has confirmed that Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be available despite injury concerns incurred while on international duty.

“Yes, it’s something that we’ve done in the past as well,” he said of sending a physio away with Partey while he plays for Ghana.

“We have a really good relationship with the Ghanaian federation and we have to manage and look after our players.

“He obviously wasn’t fit enough to play the second game but hopefully he’ll be back for the weekend.”

Photo by EPA/Vince Mignott