Arsenal receive huge shock injury boost ahead of Liverpool as key player spotted

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Mikel Arteta has been given a possible injury boost as his Arsenal squad prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield.

There’s no greater test in the Premier League than a trip to Anfield, with Arsenal facing the challenge on matchday three.

Mind games are already underway, as Mohamed Salah said Arsenal are favourites to win the league, applying pressure to Arteta.

The Arsenal manager will welcome the competitive rivalry between the two teams, who are early contenders to fight for the Premier League title.

• READ MORE: Arsenal told one area of their team is ‘definitely’ better than Liverpool, it’s not their defence

Martin Odegaard spotted with the Arsenal squad ahead of Liverpool clash

The only thing on Arteta’s mind will be selecting his starting XI to face the champions away from home.

There have been injuries, meaning that Arsenal will certainly make changes to the squad, with Bukayo Saka’s absence for up to a month confirmed.

Saka isn’t the only player out, as Martin Odegaard hasn’t trained all week after suffering a shoulder injury against Leeds.

That being said, there could be a surprise boost when it comes to the captain’s availability, as a fan posted footage of the Arsenal squad boarding the coach to Liverpool. 

Odegaard was seen with the squad in his matchday tracksuit, giving supporters some hope that the Norwegian could have a role to play.

It’s unclear whether the 26-year-old will be involved in the fixture, but seeing him travelling is a good sign.

Mikel Arteta won’t feel the need to rush Odegaard back 

As well as being spotted with the squad, there’s been another boost with regard to the captain’s fitness, as Odegaard was called up for international duty. 

After naming his squad, Norway manager Stale Solbakken confirmed that Odegaard is struggling with pain, making the playmaker’s fitness status difficult to determine. 

What Arteta won’t do, and doesn’t need to do, is risk bringing his captain back too early, as Arsenal’s squad depth allows for rotation without changes being detrimental.

Eberechi Eze has had an impressive week of training after making the move to Arsenal, giving Arteta a top-quality option to take Odegaard’s place in the number ten role. 

There are lots of decisions for Arteta to make ahead of kick-off, with Odegaard’s role yet to be determined.