Bukayo Saka injury update as Arsenal sweat on winger for Liverpool clash

Bukayo Saka is eyeing a return to action for Sunday’s title showdown against Liverpool. The Arsenal winger has been absent from the last two games due to an injury he picked up while on international duty.

However, his return to full training would provide a significant boost for Arsenal amidst their ongoing injury crisis.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed doubt about Saka’s chances following the team’s victory over Shakhtar Donetsk and the subsequent loss at Bournemouth. Despite this, England’s medical team remains optimistic that it’s not a severe injury, and Arsenal also holds hope for his return in what is shaping up to be a crucial match of the season.

Arsenal, already dealing with a growing list of absentees, will host Liverpool in top form. A defeat would put them seven points behind the leaders.

William Saliba is confirmed to miss the game due to a one-match suspension following his red card at Bournemouth.

Riccardo Calafiori would have been a natural replacement, but the Italian defender is doubtful for the weekend after suffering a knee injury against Shakhtar. Jurrien Timber, who hasn’t been ruled out of the Liverpool match, could be the closest to returning.

The Dutch defender sustained a muscle injury earlier this month during a match against Paris Saint-Germain. He missed the International games, but Arsenal are confident that it’s not a serious injury, although his participation this weekend remains uncertain.

Arsenal are optimistically awaiting updates on Martin Odegaard’s condition as the skipper makes strides in his recovery from an ankle injury sustained in international duty last September. The Norwegian maestro is eyeing a comeback ahead of the impending international break; however, this weekend’s fixtures are still out of reach, with pivotal clashes against Newcastle and Inter Milan looming large.

After the slender 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, Arteta expressed supreme confidence heading into the crunch battle with Liverpool, who are perched four points above the Londoners. “We have now four days [to recover],” he said.

“Believe me, come Sunday we’ll be flying.”

He conceded, though: “We looked tired. We lacked that sharpness with and without the ball to regain the ball in the right moments and areas and gave certain balls away that allow certain transitions. We had chances again and missed a big penalty.”