Arsenal’s squad get their significant boost with key players ahead of their Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield. Captain Martin Ødegaard named on the bench after a recent injury scare. The Norway international picked up a shoulder injury in the match against Leeds. It was a massive doubt leading into the fixture. However, he traveled with the squad and made the matchday squad. This means head coach Mikel Arteta has him available, at least as a substitute. Moreover, he is an important creative option against the league leaders.
Early Blow: Saliba’s Forced Exit
However, three minutes into the game, the Gunners’ injury situation took a harsh turn. Defensive mainstay William Saliba picked up a highly unfortunate injury in the first four minutes of the game. This shaked up Arsenal’s defensive stability early in this very important game. New signing Cristhian Mosquera was brought in to replace the Frenchman, who has ben a bedrock of their defensive success.
Mac Allister’s Midfield Reinforcement
The game also marked the return of Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister to the starting eleven. The midfielder, who had previously missed Liverpool’s last victory against Newcastle, added another layer of protection for the Reds midfield after several Arsenal players’ injuries. His presence added experience and control over Liverpool’s engine room after Arsenal’s disrupted preperation.
Arsenal’s Lingering Injury Concerns
Arsenal’s injury list remains concerning beyond the starting XI. Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee) were most evidently missed along with an already absent Gabriel Jesus (knee). This situation really tested the squads depth in what turned out to be one of the more difficult matches of the season.
Arsenal’s current injury list 3 games into the season:
🤕 Bukayo Saka
🤕 Kai Havertz
🤕 Gabriel Jesus
🤕 Benjamin White
🤕 William Saliba
🤕 Christian Nørgaard pic.twitter.com/fKVjkyJms2
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 1, 2025
Liverpool’s Minimal Injury Disruption
Liverpool’s injury list seemed not to be as serious, with only summer signing Jeremie Frimpong (hamsring) confirmed to be out on until after the international break. While the Dutch defender’s absence would usually affect Liverpool’s numbers in defense, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez could cover right-back to replace Frimpong.
Final Thoughts
This contest between title rivals emphasized again the importance of key players, squad depth and injury management in a demanding Premier League season. Arsenal, were without their Captain but did return Saliba to the fold and while Saliba’s early departure from the match clearly hurt Arsenal, it also emphasized how little things can often define these type of matches at the top of the table.