Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus says William Saliba's injury ended their title hopes last season.
Saliba suffered a back injury in March, which ended up sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
The setback coincided with Arsenal's collapse as Manchester City eventually ended the season as Premier League winners.
Gabriel Jesus told the Denilson Show: "When he plays, we concede few goals, when he doesn't play, the number (goals conceded) increases."
Saliba was seen on the training pitch this week as Arsenal kicked off their preseason.