Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits growing concern over Bukayo Saka injury

The Gunners, already grappling with a mounting injury list, will also miss Kai Havertz, while captain Martin Ødegaard remains a doubt, opening the door for new signing Eberechi Eze to make a potential debut at Anfield.

Saka, 23, limped off during Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Leeds United after feeling discomfort in his left hamstring. This marks his second hamstring issue in less than a year, having missed three months last season due to a right hamstring injury. While surgery is not required this time, Arteta admitted the recurrence is a major concern for the explosive winger.

“It’s a big one, especially for a sprinter like Bukayo, who relies on that burst and change of pace,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference. “He’ll be out for a few weeks. We’ll monitor his progress with scans and aim to make him stronger. Injuries are part of football, but we want to eradicate this issue.”

Havertz, meanwhile, faces a longer spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery. “It’s very unfortunate,” Arteta said. “He’s never had an injury like this before, but surgery was the best option. We expect him out for weeks, not months, which is positive.”

Ødegaard’s availability remains uncertain after he landed awkwardly on his shoulder against Leeds. The Norway international is pushing to feature, with Arteta adding, “He hasn’t trained yet, but he’s doing everything he can. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also out, while Christian Nørgaard and Ben White are being monitored.

Amid the injury crisis, Arsenal’s new signing Eberechi Eze could provide a spark. The former Crystal Palace star, unveiled before the Leeds match, has already impressed Arteta in training.

“Eberechi has a special energy and aura,” Arteta said. “His flow with the ball, ability to pick passes, and effortless dribbling are why we brought him here. He’s gathering information quickly, and we want to give him the freedom to express his quality.”

Arsenal face a daunting task at Anfield, where they haven’t won in the Premier League since 2012. Arteta, however, sees the match as a chance to lay down a marker in the title race. “Liverpool are champions for a reason, they were the best and most consistent team last season,” he said. “We want to be that team this year. Going to Anfield with conviction is what we need to keep building momentum.”

The Gunners have started the season strongly, with convincing wins in their opening two Premier League matches. Arteta challenged his squad to seize the opportunity: “The favourites are the ones who won last year. Someone has to take that crown, and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

With injuries testing their depth, Arsenal’s new-look squad, potentially led by Eze’s flair, will need to rise to the occasion against a formidable Liverpool side. Sunday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in their title pursuit.

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