Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City because the Frenchman is likely to move on loan.

The centre-back is eligible to play in domestic games and explaining his omission from the matchday squad last night, Arteta said talks are underway for the defender to leave in the January transfer window:

“He cannot be involved because he’s not in the squad. We made that decision with him and we’ll see what we’re going to do in January. We are talking about it [loan move] yes.”

That may appear like an odd explanation as there is no reason why Arteta couldn’t pick Saliba before he goes out on loan next month, but the Gunners would be mindful of the fact that the player could have picked up an injury.

The 19-year-old has already missed the first four months of the season after failing to secure a temporary move away from the Emirates in the summer, and it is important that nothing prevents him from being sent out to gain first-team experience in the second half of the campaign.