Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was left out of Mikel Arteta's squad for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the importance of “adapting” in a “difficult” January window after Arsenal lost Gabriel Jesus to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury this week. The 27-year-old Brazil forward suffered the injury to his left knee in Arsenal’s FA Cup exit to Manchester United,

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has to contend with several injuries within his squad ahead of Saturday's game against Aston Villa

After leaders Liverpool could not draw against high-flying Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Arsenal took full advantage 24 hours later with a 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham in the North London derby

Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first leg of Arsenal's semifinal tie in the Carabao Cup was the latest example of the struggles manager Mikel Arteta is having to deal with personnel-wise.

When asked about his role in changing Lewis-Skelly’s position, Arteta said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “The moment I saw him, the only words I could think is ‘change his position’ if he wants to have a chance here. “I spoke to him and I said: ‘This is where you’re going to have (opportunities).’

Arsenal will be looking to build upon victory in the North London Derby as they face another tough test at home to Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to claim victory over former Gunners manager Unai Emery and keep pace at the top of the Premier League with Liverpool facing a tough trip to Brentford.

There is never a good time to lose a north London derby but for both Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou a defeat on Wednesday would only serve to further rile fanbases whose murmurs of discontent have grown more audible.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will do battle in a white-hot atmosphere as the rival clubs face off under the lights at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are open to bringing forward their summer transfer plans in the wake of injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners have been left short in attack following injuries to the pair, with Jesus not expected back this season.

In the seven years since — spent at Villarreal, Al Sadd in Qatar and, for the past two campaigns, back at his boyhood club Real Oviedo in the Spanish second division — Cazorla had kept in close touch with his former team-mate and now Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.