Arsenal have put a plan in place that could see Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber make a return from injury against Liverpool at the weekend.
Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of the duo ahead of the potential Premier League title clash, with the Gunners already light on numbers in their squad.
William Saliba is set to miss the clash through a red card he picked up against Bournemouth last time out, handing him a one-match suspension.
Injury issues are plaguing the likes of Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard – all of which look set to miss out on the Emirates Stadium tie.
Riccardo Calafiori can be added to that list too, following a fresh knee problem he appeared to pick up against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
There is, however, growing hope that Saka and Timber could be back in the squad for the weekend.
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Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber injury update
With just a few days left to recover, Arsenal are looking to give their key players every chance possible to get fit in time for the visit of Liverpool.
Saka and Timber look likeliest to be involved, if there are any injury returns, which would greatly increase the side’s chances of a win.
According to the Daily Mail, Saka is looking to prove his fitness before the match on Sunday and the Gunners are willing to leave it late to give him a chance.
While it was believed that the winger’s injury issue with England wouldn’t be a long-term problem, Arteta appeared less enthusiastic when giving an update after the Shakhtar Donetsk game.
Saka hasn’t been involved in any training sessions yet, but the report claims there is a growing sense of positivity over his availability to face Liverpool.
As for Timber, a late call is set to be made on his fitness before the Liverpool game, which could see him back in the team again.
The Netherlands international wasn’t involved in the game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.
Arsenal’s title hopes rest on Bukayo Saka return
It’s clear that Saka is an important piece of the puzzle at Arsenal and his influence is already shown in the stats this season.
The winger has the most assists in the Premier League, while having the best goals and assist record per 90 minutes in the competition.
He outranks the likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer in this department, but is incredibly undervalued by those outside of Arsenal.
It comes as little surprise that the Gunners struggled against Bournemouth as a result and his return is firmly needed for Liverpool.
Saka’s record against Liverpool speaks for itself, with two wins and two draws against the Reds over the past two seasons in the league.
Those matches include three goals for the superstar, who will be pushing to make the team on Sunday afternoon.
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