Arsenal's William Saliba didn't make the cut for Mikel Arteta's team for their big Premier League showdown with Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Frenchman was a bit of a surprise not being included in the Gunners' matchday squad for the match at Emirates Stadium, especially since he's only missed one other Premier League match this season due to suspension.

Arsenal said his absence was down to a "minor" issue, while Fabrizio Romano explained that he's having a bit of trouble with a tight hamstring. In his place, Jurrien Timber has been picked to start at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arteta downplayed fears over Saliba's condition, saying before the game: "He felt something before the match, something muscular. I don’t think it’s too much, but he couldn't train [on Friday]. He wasn’t feeling good enough to play, so we have to assess the situation."

Arsenal drew with Villa, leaving them six points behind Liverpool in the English top-flight, but the Reds still have a game in hand.

They'll be playing Dinamo Zagreb at home in the Champions League next week.We'll have to wait and see if he'll be back with the squad before the game kicks off.