Arsenal have been dealt an untimely injury setback ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight clash with Liverpool at Anfield, with Bukayo Saka ruled out and captain Martin Ødegaard facing a race against time to be fit.
Saka sidelined for four weeks
The 23-year-old winger limped off during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday after pulling up with a hamstring injury.
Scans have confirmed Saka will miss up to four weeks of action, ruling him out of the Liverpool game and England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia next month.
There was initial concern the injury could keep Saka out long term, especially given he missed three months of last season following surgery on his right hamstring.
However, club sources insist this setback is “not as significant as first feared” and that his recovery period should be much shorter.
Ødegaard concern after shoulder blow
Captain Martin Ødegaard also faces a race to be fit after he was substituted in the first half against Leeds with a painful shoulder injury.
The 26-year-old was seen leaving the stadium with his arm in a sling, and although he was withdrawn from a fan signing event on Monday, there is optimism that he has avoided serious damage.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will give Ødegaard until the last possible moment to prove his fitness, with the playmaker’s creativity and leadership deemed crucial ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Arsenal’s depth to be tested
Amid the injury crisis, Arsenal have a deeper squad this season following the arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze.
Arteta can also call on Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman, who made his Premier League debut last weekend, to fill the attacking void.
Arteta had earlier spoken about the importance of building attacking depth after the disappointment of last season’s injury troubles, and the upcoming fixtures could put that squad investment to the test.
Positive outlook amid tough run
Arsenal, who have won both of their opening matches, travel to Anfield on Sunday to face the reigning champions Liverpool in what is already shaping up to be a potential title-defining clash.
While the absence of Saka is a blow, and Ødegaard remains a doubt, the Gunners are relieved that neither player faces a long-term layoff. Both are expected to return in September if their recovery continues positively.
