There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding which Arsenal players Mikel Arteta will have available to him this weekend.
Arsenal will have some key players missing when they host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with injury, whilst there are fitness concerns surrounding Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. On top of that, William Saliba is suspended for this fixture.
Adding to Mikel Arteta’s selection headache, Bukayo Saka is a doubt for this game, as the manager did not sound optimistic when discussing the winger’s fitness.
Saka has not played for Arsenal since picking up a knock with England during the recent international break.
The Hale End academy graduate would usually be a nailed-on starter, but Arteta will likely now need to call upon an alternative option to hold down the right flank against the Reds.
Arsenal’s best options to replace Bukayo Saka vs Liverpool
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is yet to truly establish himself at the Emirates Stadium since his transfer deadline day loan switch from Chelsea, but he is an experienced operator who can be trusted for such an occasion.
Arsenal fans haven’t been entirely impressed by Sterling so far this season, but he has shown flashes of quality and will add goal threat to the team and would be the best candidate to step in for Saka on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus started for Arsenal on the right wing against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening, and worked hard as ever. Arteta can certainly trust the Brazilian to perform his defensive duties and remain vigilant in his pressing.
However, Jesus’ abysmal form in front of goal is a real problem, and for that reason Sterling ought to be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard has struggled to shine in recent outings for the Gunners, but is almost certain to start on Sunday. However, due to Odegaard’s absence, the Belgian will be required in a more central role.
Whilst Trossard has occasionally deputised on the right flank before, it is more important to have him in the middle of the park.
Gabriel Martinelli
Similarly to Trossard, whilst Gabriel Martinelli can switch to the right and impress there, he will be required on the opposite flank. Martinelli has rediscovered his form recently, and has caused problems for Liverpool in the past.
The best way for Arteta to ensure that the Brazilian has a positive impact on Sunday is by playing him in his best position.
Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal fans would love to see more of Ethan Nwaneri, and the 17-year-old can play on the right, even if it isn’t his preferred role. However, it would be a huge ask to hand the Hale End gem his first Premier League start in this match, and by not including the youngster in the starting XI against Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta has already somewhat shown his hand.
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