Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been left sweating over injury scares to both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after the pair limped off against Leeds United — just over a week before traveling to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Odegaard was down in the first half and didn't last until the interval. Then, only a few minutes after the restart, Saka picked up what appeared to be a hamstring problem and couldn't continue.
New signing Eberechi Eze, who was confirmed as having completed his transfer from Crystal Palace shortly before kick-off, was in the stands watching on as Arsenal played. He would be the most obvious replacement for Odegaard, while Ethan Nwaneri could play the Saka role should he be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Given the potential injuries, Arsenal couldn't have brought in Eze at a better time. Kai Havertz is also sidelined at the moment, leaving Arteta short.
"We are so pleased to have completed this deal to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," sporting director Andrea Berta said as the transfer was confirmed.
"Eberechi is a creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality — also a big-game player, with his experience at international level with England also underlining his quality and character.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans as they chant his name after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
"There has been excellent teamwork across the club to make this transfer happen and we are very confident Eberechi will be an important addition to our squad as we continue to build for success."
"We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," Arteta added. "He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game.
"What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.
"His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to start working with Eberechi soon."
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Fifteen-year-old talent Max Dowman came on for Arsenal when the Gunners were 4-0 up. However, it would be a major shock if he were to be involved in the game at Liverpool given the circumstances are likely to be very different.
Arsenal doubled its lead against Leeds through Saka just before half-time and Viktor Gyokeres also netted. But losing Odegaard and Saka, two of its key attacking threats, will be a major blow if either are out for any significant period of time.
Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield could be a decisive fixture in the Premier League title race. The Reds will be missing Jeremie Frimpong after he picked up a hamstring issue, but might have Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley back up to speed by then to fill in.