Injury concerns mount for Mikel Arteta side ahead Liverpool clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raised concerns ahead of their important Premier League match against Liverpool, which will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

One of Arsenal’s key defenders, William Saliba, will not be available for the game. Saliba received a red card in the 25th minute during their match against Bournemouth. It can be said that this coupled with other factors led to Arsenal’s first loss of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

After their narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, Arteta confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori, a recent signing, picked up an injury during the match. Calafiori appeared to hurt his knee in the second half and had to be substituted. Myles Lewis-Skelly came on to replace him.

Additionally, Arteta mentioned that Bukayo Saka is still not back in training and will miss the upcoming game as well. He expressed concern, stating,

“Saka is not training yet, so he won’t be available, and Ricci [Calafiori] felt something and could not stay on. Bit of a worry.”

Furthermore, captain Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber are also struggling with fitness issues and are unlikely to be fit for the Liverpool clash. Despite these setbacks, Arsenal have earned seven points from their first three Champions League games this season.