Arsenal are waiting to learn to fitness of several key players ahead of their blockbuster meeting with Liverpool.
The Gunners welcome Arne Slot’s side to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, battling for a significant three points on match day nine.
It’s a crucial game for both clubs, as Liverpool currently sit top of the table after an impressive start, giving Arsenal four points to catch up on.
Mikel Arteta will want to see a rise in performance level from his players although, the main concern comes from the mass of potential absences.
David Seaman spots Bukayo Saka at Arsenal training ground
Perhaps the most concerning name on the sidelines is Bukayo Saka, who hasn’t featured for Arsenal since sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty.
Saka withdrew from the England camp as a result, missing the Gunners’ previous two clashes, which have both displayed a worrying dip in performance.
Gary Neville stressed the importance of Saka’s fitness ahead of the clash with Liverpool, with a possible boost there for Arteta based on David Seaman’s latest comments.
The former Gunners goalkeeper said that he saw Saka at Colney recently when speaking on the Seaman Says podcast.
“When I was in [at Colney] last Thursday at Arsenal coaching the young goalies, I saw Bukayo with his boots on.
“I thought ‘ah good sign you’ve got your boots on’ instead of trainers or something, he was going off to do some one-to-one rehab so that was a good sign.”
There has been a report suggesting that Arsenal will make a late call on Saka ahead of the duel with Liverpool, with Arteta keeping his cards close to his chest at present.
Arsenal injury latest ahead of Liverpool clash
It’s an uplifting update on Saka but, the Englishman isn’t the manager’s only concern at this moment.
William Saliba will miss out due to suspension after picking up a red card against Bournemouth.
Other doubts come in the form of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, as well as players outside of the favoured XI.
Arteta’s main concern will be his defence, particularly if Timber, Calafiori and Saliba are to miss out against the best-performing team in the league right now.
The manager has options to rotate although, missing three of the club’s best defenders for a game of this size is a real blow.
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