Konstantinos Tsimikas was left with a broken collarbone during Liverpool's last encounter with Arsenal at Anfield in 2023, for which Bukayo Saka later apologised.
The two football titans are set for another head-to-head on Sunday afternoon, following their last Anfield clash in December 2023, where Arsenal led the Premier League and Liverpool were trailing close in second place.
Gabriel Magalhaes netted an early goal for Mikel Arteta's squad just four minutes into the game, but Mohamed Salah equalised before the break.
Liverpool then faced a setback as Tsimikas had to be substituted due to a shoulder injury resulting from a collision after being pushed by England's Saka off the pitch into Jurgen Klopp. Following his replacement by Joe Gomez, Tsimikas was rushed to the hospital, confirming that he had a fractured collarbone.
Jurgen Klopp went tumbling after Kostas Tsimikas collided into him during Liverpool's game against Arsenal
Jurgen Klopp went tumbling after Kostas Tsimikas collided into him during Liverpool's game against Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
After learning about Tsimikas's hospitalisation, Saka issued an apology during his interview with Sky Sports. "I heard he has gone to hospital so obviously I want to apologise to him," Saka said.
"I didn't mean it of course. For me it was a 50/50 and I have gone shoulder to shoulder with him. I didn't see it, but he must have taken a bad fall. I didn't see him go into Jurgen Klopp either. I was focused on running forward because I didn't think it was a foul. That's my take on it."
Arsenal gave a guard of honour to the league champions, who sat 15 points clear of the Gunners before kick-off. If Arsenal secure second place this season, they'll be making Premier League history by finishing runners-up for three consecutive seasons on two separate occasions.
Liverpool players celebrate winning the league
Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions in April (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Looking back at predictions for the 2024/25 season, many fancied either Manchester City or Arsenal to clinch the title; however, it was Arne Slot's team that emerged triumphant.
Before their upcoming match, Arsenal star Declan Rice acknowledged the champions' superiority and conceded his team fell short in the title race. "We've obviously seen what they've done, massive credit to them, they've been the most consistent team throughout the season, performed to a really high standard and ability," the England international admitted.
"Cannot knock them, can't take anything away from them, everyone else fell short and in the end they were probably the strongest team in it."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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