Bukayo Saka of Arsenal
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow ahead of Sunday's blockbuster trip to Liverpool after it was revealed that Bukayo Saka will miss up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Saka, 23, limped off during Saturday's 5-0 rout of Leeds United and Mikel Arteta cut a concerned figure in his post-match press conference, revealing that it is a "significant" problem.
Although Saka's issue is not as bad as first feared, he will be unavailable for Arsenal's trip to Anfield this weekend, according to BBC Sport. He is anticipated to miss England's two World Cup qualifiers during the September international break and at least two club fixtures after the two-week lay-off.
Saka has a mixed record against Liverpool, scoring four times and adding three assists in 15 appearances during his career. Despite this, Saka's absence is going to be a huge boost for the Reds.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard is doubtful for the clash on Merseyside after he was forced to go off with a shoulder issue against Leeds. The Norway international looked in pain as he was replaced in the first half and he is understood to have left the Emirates Stadium with his shoulder in a sling.
Odegaard has not been ruled out of the trip to Liverpool and there is optimism that neither him or Saka will be long-term causalities. But, regarding their next fixture against the Reds, Saka will be unavailable, while Odegaard is a doubt and could miss out alongside FOUR other players.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Ben White didn't feature during Arsenal's win against Leeds on Saturday and it's unclear if any of the absent quartet are going to be back fit.
Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's new £64million front man, found the net twice on his home debut, while Jurrien Timber also struck a brace and Saka scored the other as the Gunners made it six points from six in the top flight.
Liverpool will be hoping to join Arsenal on two wins from two when the Reds make the difficult-looking trip to Newcastle United on Monday. Arne Slot's side beat Bournemouth on the opening weekend and travel to the Magpies hoping to record a vital win in their pursuit of defending the Premier League title.
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