Bukayo Saka has resumed training with Arsenal ahead of their crucial match against Premier League leaders Liverpool this Sunday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta emphasized that the 23-year-old must demonstrate his fitness as he recuperates from an injury sustained during international duty, but the coach’s remarks have sparked optimism for Saka’s return.
The Gunners will be missing the suspended William Saliba for the Liverpool match, and Martin Odegaard is sidelined due to injury. However, Arteta has not ruled out the availability of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
“He has done a bit of training on the grass,” Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference. “How far we can get him to Sunday is a different question. We have another day, which is beneficial.”
Defender Calafiori exacerbated Arsenal’s injury concerns when he had to be substituted after injuring his knee during Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
“He needs further tests,” Arteta confirmed. “He had some yesterday, and he is undergoing more evaluations today, which will inform us of his condition.”
On Timber, who has been absent since the international break, Arteta remarked: “He completed his first session, so there is a chance he could be involved.”
In addition to captain Odegaard, Arsenal is also without Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney due to injuries, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is still recuperating from a calf issue.
Impact of Saliba’s Suspension
Saliba’s suspension is particularly significant, as the French international has played every Premier League match since last season’s start. His absence, along with uncertainties about other players, presents Arteta with a challenge in reconfiguring his defensive lineup.
“We have various options, including players who have played there before,” he said. “It’s true that this partnership has been very stable. Now, we must find alternative solutions as a team.”
Arteta faces further challenges with consistent injuries disrupting his squad, but he remains focused. “We have versatile players who have been very helpful,” he noted. “While we would like more options, we must make the best of our current situation.”
Should Arsenal suffer defeat to Liverpool, they could find themselves seven points behind after just nine matches. Despite these challenges, Arteta has urged his team not to dwell on their misfortunes but to remain resilient.
“This is a game. We did not plan for these difficulties, but we are fortunate to have a strong squad and a positive mentality,” he stated. “When faced with challenges, we do not feel sorry for ourselves; we confront them. We know our capabilities and how tough we can be for our opponents. Embracing a ruthless mentality is crucial,” he added.
Watch Arsenal vs Liverpool live on ECNETNews this Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:30 PM.
