ARSENAL were dealt a major blow with William Saliba forced off after just FIVE minutes against Liverpool.
The influential Gunners defender went up for an early challenge with Hugo Ekitike.
But he stayed down and looked worryingly across to the dugouts.
And it was clear Saliba was in no state to continue.
So with just the crunch Premier League clash underway at Anfield, the Frenchman limped off.
He was replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
The Spaniard slotted in alongside Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Mikel Arteta hinted Saliba had picked up a problem in the warm-up before kick-off.
And Gunners supporters were worrying of the long-term implications if Saliba is sidelined for a lengthy period.
Arteta was already without a number of first-team stars for the trip to face the champions.
Talisman Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Gabriel Jesus all missed the game – while captain Martin Odegaard was only fit enough to be named on the bench.
And fans lamented the injury woes so soon into the new campaign.
One moaned: “Na we are cursed. 2 games and 10 minutes in and without Saliba, Havertz, Odegaard, Norgaard, Saka, Trossard. And Slot was crying because he had one player out.”
Another wrote: “Nah I ain’t someone to run the injury excuse but Saliba Odegaard Saka Havertz in less than 200 minutes of football?? Stupid.”
A third fumed: “Add Saliba to Saka, Havertz, Odegaard out.
“Sorry but it’s just not an actual level playing field. No matter how much depth you get, there will be a drop off.
“It’s always our most important players ffs.”
A fourth commented: “Havertz, Saka, Odegaard….Saliba? It’s still August. Unbelievable bad luck (not that any other clubs will care…).”
A fourth blasted: “Losing Saliba in this crucial moment is very very gut-wrenching… just end the season already.”
And a final user replied: “Saliba off injured inside five mins lol couldn’t write it. Him saka Odegaard and Havertz all out injured in first three games. Insane.”
There was further pain for Arsenal thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s moment of magic.
The Hungarian produced a stunning 32-yard free-kick to beat David Raya all ends up with seven minutes remaining to clinch a 1-0 victory which could prove pivotal come the end of the season.
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