Arsenal face an injury crisis before their trip to Liverpool. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz are all doubts as Mikel Arteta weighs his options.
Arsenal’s Injury Woes Before Anfield
Arsenal head into their huge clash against Liverpool this weekend with a growing injury list. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both went off injured in the 5-0 win over Leeds, while Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined.
The latest updates suggest Saka will miss up to four weeks with a hamstring issue, while Odegaard’s shoulder injury is still being assessed. With Liverpool away looming large, Mikel Arteta may need to shuffle his deck.
Saka’s Hamstring Injury
Saka pulled up early in the second half against Leeds after scoring Arsenal’s second goal. He left the pitch clutching his left hamstring, sparking fears of a long layoff.
According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old will be sidelined for around four weeks. That rules him out of the Liverpool match, England’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
The hope is that Saka returns in time for Arsenal’s Champions League group opener or the blockbuster meeting with Manchester City on September 21.
Odegaard’s Shoulder Concern
Captain Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder injury after being bundled over in the first half. He tried to play on but was eventually forced off wearing a sling.
Sky Sports reported that Odegaard will undergo scans, though Arsenal remain cautiously optimistic he could recover in time for Anfield.
Havertz, White, and Jesus Updates
- Kai Havertz: Missed the Leeds game with a knee issue. No return date confirmed yet.
- Ben White: Left out as a precaution after a knock but could be back against Liverpool.
- Gabriel Jesus: Still recovering from ACL surgery but has started light training.
New signing Christian Norgaard is also yet to make his debut but could be available soon.
Can Arsenal Cope Without Saka?
Replacing Saka will be the toughest challenge. Options include:
- Noni Madueke on the right wing
- Gabriel Martinelli shifting left with Viktor Gyokeres leading the line
- Eberechi Eze, Arsenal’s new No.10 signing, who could even make his debut at Anfield
As Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports:
There are lots of players that can come in, but there’s only one Bukayo Saka. To not have him at Anfield will be a major blow.
Looking Ahead
Arsenal still sit perfect after two Premier League wins, but Sunday’s trip to Anfield will be their toughest test yet. With so many key players out, Mikel Arteta’s squad depth will be put under pressure — and new arrivals like Eze and Gyokeres may need to step up immediately.
