Arsenal have been without their star player, Bukayo Saka, since the England international sustained an injury during UEFA Nations League play. Manager Mikel Arteta has since provided an update.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated that his team will make every effort to have Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber available for the match against Liverpool; however, the situation regarding the triumvirate is “uncertain.”
The Gunners have been without Saka since he sustained an injury while on international duty with England. When Arteta addressed the forward’s availability following the midweek victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, he expressed his pessimism, as Saka had not yet returned to training.
The academy product was not visible during the Gunners’ first team’s training session on Friday. Calafiori and Timber were also absent due to their own injury issues.
Arsenal supporters were already aware that the team would be without William Saliba for Sunday’s match against Liverpool, who are currently at the summit of the table. After the Gunners declined to appeal his red card from the Bournemouth loss, the centre-back is currently serving a one-match suspension.
We will make every effort to ensure that they are accessible. However, Arteta informed reporters at his pre-match press conference that the situation is extremely uncertain. Regarding Calafiori, he stated, “He requires additional testing; yesterday, he underwent some, and today, he will undergo additional testing.” “Let us observe its condition.”
Regarding Saka, he clarified, “He has conducted some grass training.” Another inquiry pertains to the extent to which we can transport him prior to Sunday. It is advantageous that we have an additional day. However, the outcome remains uncertain.
Timber has been inching closer to a return, but this game may occur prematurely. “It was the first session [Friday] that he could have some involvement,” Arteta reported. “He has been absent for an extended period.” We anticipated that he would be further ahead.
Liverpool will also be without several first-team players. The return of Reds goalkeeper Alisson from a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace prior to the international break is still uncertain, and there are concerns regarding the fitness of several other players, including Diogo Jota.
“[Alisson is] making the expected progress, but it is not a short-term recovery, making it challenging to evaluate him,” Reds manager Arne Slot informed reporters. “The most accurate assessment of an injury is during the final stages of rehabilitation, and he has not yet reached that point.” I am unable to provide an estimate of the duration of his absence; however, it is unlikely that he will be present at Brighton for the cup or the following week.
“I believe [Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Conor Bradley] are in good spirits; however, they are not interested in playing for us on the weekend.” Federico may participate in our training session today or tomorrow; however, Jota is undoubtedly unavailable for the match against Arsenal and Conor Bradley. We will determine whether he is eligible to participate in our training session tomorrow.
