Arsenal Defender Jokes About Playing Striker Amid Team’s Injury Woes
Arsenal’s injury crisis has left them struggling for attacking options, and manager Mikel Arteta recently shared a humorous moment involving defender William Saliba.
With key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz ruled out for the remainder of the season, Saliba jokingly volunteered to play as a striker to help the team cope with their attacking shortage. His lighthearted comment brought some relief to an otherwise challenging situation for the Gunners.
The club has been significantly impacted by injuries at a crucial stage of the season. Jesus has been recovering from a knee injury sustained last month, while Havertz recently suffered a hamstring issue that requires surgery.
These setbacks have left Arsenal without a natural striker, forcing Arteta to rely on alternative options. Leandro Trossard is expected to take up the central attacking role for the rest of the campaign, but beyond him, the squad lacks depth in that position.
During a press conference, Arteta recounted how Saliba, who plays as a center-back, jokingly suggested that he could step in as a striker. While the remark was made in jest, there is some truth to Saliba’s confidence in his attacking abilities. Before becoming one of Europe’s top defenders, the Frenchman actually played as a striker during his youth.
Saliba’s early footballing days saw him excel in an attacking role at AS Bondy, the same youth academy that developed Kylian Mbappe. Between the ages of six and 13, he was a prolific goal scorer and one of the standout players in his team.
Reflecting on his past, Saliba once shared that he loved playing as a striker and was determined to score in every match. If he ever finished a game without finding the net, he made sure to score in the next one.
Although Arteta’s mention of Saliba as a potential striker was purely lighthearted, it underscores Arsenal’s current struggles. The Gunners remain determined to finish the season strongly, but their lack of attacking options poses a significant challenge. While Saliba’s defensive role remains crucial, his background as a striker adds an intriguing element to the conversation.
Ultimately, Arsenal fans will be hoping that their remaining forwards, particularly Trossard and Bukayo Saka, can rise to the occasion in the absence of Jesus and Havertz. As the team pushes forward, finding a solution in attack will be essential to maintaining their competitive edge.
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