Arsenal - Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a mixed injury update on several key players ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield, raising concerns over the availability of captain Martin Odegaard and confirming the absence of Bukayo Saka.
Odegaard remains doubtful after suffering a shoulder injury in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds last weekend. The Norwegian midfielder landed awkwardly on his right shoulder and was forced off in the first half. Scans revealed no major damage, but he has yet to return to full training.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet. He hasn’t trained yet and if he does, it will be tomorrow. He is doing everything he can to make himself available.”
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Saka, however, has been ruled out entirely after sustaining a hamstring injury in the same match. The England winger, who was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s latest squad, is expected to miss around four weeks. Arteta confirmed the setback but stressed that it was less severe than a previous hamstring issue.
Arsenal star Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks unfortunately. It is not as bad as the previous one. It is on the other side. Let’s see how he evolves,” Arteta said.
The growing injury list also includes Kai Havertz, who underwent minor knee surgery on Thursday and will miss the Liverpool clash. Arteta expressed hope that the German forward could return within weeks rather than months. Defenders Ben White and Christian Norgaard are both doubts with muscle problems, while Leandro Trossard’s participation will depend on Saturday’s training session.
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On the positive side, Jurrien Timber, who impressed with two goals and an assist against Leeds is in line to start at Anfield, though Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
The timing of these setbacks is far from ideal for Arsenal, who face a Liverpool side in strong form while juggling transfer market activity. The Gunners remain in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapie, while also negotiating potential departures for Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
With the Premier League title race finely poised, Arteta’s squad decisions particularly over Odegaard’s fitness could prove crucial in determining Arsenal’s prospects at Anfield and beyond.
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