Update: Bukayo Saka won’t play for Arsenal against Liverpool, but captain Martin Odegaard could be involved
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Mikel Arteta has issued a new update on the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool.
Odegaard was forced off in the first half of last weekend’s 5-0 win over Leeds after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder.
The Arsenal captain went for a scan last Sunday, which was positive and showed no significant damage.
Odegaard has been named in the Norway squad for their World Cup qualifiers next week and, speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Anfield, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet. He hasn’t trained yet and if he does, it will be tomorrow [Saturday]. He is doing everything he can to make himself available.”
Blow: Arsenal skipper Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury against Leeds last weekend
Arsenal will definitely be without Saka against Liverpool after he suffered a hamstring injury against Leeds.
Saka is expected to be out for around four weeks and was left out of the England squad that was announced on Friday.
“Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks unfortunately,” Arteta said. “No surgery. It is not as bad as the previous one (hamstring injury). It is on the other side. Let’s see how he evolves in the next few days and weeks.”
Read More
Arsenal agree £23m Kiwior exit as Hincapie deal edges closer
Arsenal midfielder's transfer hopes boosted by Newcastle deal for Woltemade
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
Practical Magic reboot: Will the Owens sisters cast a new spell?
Kai Havertz will also be absent at Anfield after he underwent knee surgery on Thursday. Arsenal have described the operation as “minor” and it is hoped the German will be out for weeks, not months.
Arteta said of Havertz: “I think it will be weeks, but I don’t know how many months. It (surgery) was the right thing to do on the doctor’s advice.”
Ben White is a doubt for the Liverpool game due to a muscle issue, along with summer signing Christian Norgaard and winger Leandro Trossard.
Jurrien Timber, who scored twice and grabbed an assist against Leeds, is expected to start against Liverpool, though Gabriel Jesus is not yet ready to return from a long-term knee injury.
Asked about White and Norgaard, Arteta added: “That’s another two yet [who are doubts]. We don’t know yet, we have training tomorrow. There is a chance to get them involved in the game.”