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Arsenal could be without five key players because of injuries for a massive matchup with Liverpool at the weekend. The Gunners have missed captain and main playmaker Martin Odegaard since he suffered an ankle injury in early September. Without the midfielder pulling the strings, the North London club has looked noticeably stagnate going forward in recent weeks.
The Norway international has returned to partial training but does not appear to be ready to face the Reds. Bukayo Saka is also a major doubt for the upcoming fixture as well. The star winger has missed the team’s last two matches due to a leg injury while on international duty with England.
Following Arsenal’s slim 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, manager Mikel Arteta told reporters that Saka is “unlikely” to play Liverpool. The Englishman has four days to recover from the setback but has not trained at all since suffering the setback. Odegaard and Saka are undoubtedly Arsenal’s most important offensive players.
Defensive trio could miss match against the Premier League leaders
Along with potentially missing key creative stars, Arteta will likely have to shuffle his defense at the weekend. William Saliba will miss the Liverpool fixture after receiving a controversial red card against Bournemouth. The center-back was sent off for a tactical foul 45 yards away from goal. As a result, the world-class defender will be suspended for the next Premier League game.
Versatile defender Jurrien Timber is a major doubt against Liverpool as well. The Dutchman last featured for the Gunners in a Champions League matchup with Paris Saint-Germain three weeks ago. Nevertheless, Arteta previously stated that Timber may face Shakhtar on Tuesday, so the defender is likely nearing a comeback.
Despite this potentially positive news, Arsenal suffered another injury setback against the Ukrainian side. Riccardo Calafiori required a substitution late in the victory due to an apparent…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-faces-heap-of-injuries-ahead-of-critical-liverpool-clash/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-10-23 14:54:55
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