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William Saliba admits it was 'really, really hard' to miss Arsenal's title run-in last season as he opens up on the back injury that played part in Gunners' late collapse

Arsenal defender William Saliba has opened up on his injury issues after his absence last season coincided with the Gunners' dip in form.

Saliba was a mainstay in his side's defence last term until a back issue cut his campaign short, playing every minute of Arsenal's first 27 Premier League games.

They were top of the Premier League at the time and mounting a serious push for the title, but just five wins from 11 followed as Rob Holding and Jakub Kiwior struggled to deputise.

Two clean sheets came in that time as his partnership with Gabriel was broken, and manager Mikel Arteta bemoaned his lack of squad depth as a key reason for his side's title challenge falling away.