When William Saliba arrived back from his season-long loan spell back with St Etienne, there was no doubt a sense of excitement that Arsenal were finally going to see the player who was set to dominate and lead their back-line for the next decade to come.

Instead, some personal bereavement and struggles to adapt to life in London has led to him being left on the side-lines at the start of this season, with his only real action coming for the club's U23s side.

But, with injuries to David Luiz and Rob Holding in a short space of time, Arsenal's centre-back options have taken a real hit, particularly with the likes of Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari only just working their way back to full fitness after months out injured.

It was one of the reasons why Shkodran Mustafi had to be drafted into the team when Luiz went off against Leicester, and the German couldn't prevent the Foxes snatching a 1-0 victory at the Emirates last Sunday.

But needs must at Arsenal right now, and that surely means Saliba be given a chance to shine in the first-team. If he is in the right head-space right now after everything that has happened to him over the summer, and has made himself available to Arteta, then the Gunners boss mustn't think twice about putting him into the team.

Described as someone with "cold-blood" for the way he defends so calmly and with intent, the young Frenchman can follow in Gabriel's footsteps and make his mark on this Arsenal side.

Still only 19, if he does make any mistakes, Gunners fans will be much more likely to be forgiving of him and eager to see him learn from it, than someone like Mustafi who has been given ample opportunities and time.

French journalist Macky Diong, said earlier in the summer to The Athletic, that he is "not afraid for him", and that "he will dazzle you". If Arteta gives him a chance, then Saliba can do just that.