Arsenal are set to make late fitness calls on several players ahead of their highly anticipated showdown with Liverpool this afternoon. Key figures Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori remain in doubt, while captain Martin Ødegaard is confirmed to be sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained on international duty with Denmark.
Saka, who exited England’s game against Greece due to injury, has not played since missing last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth and Tuesday’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Although he resumed light training on Friday, the England winger did so separately from his teammates. Manager Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled him out but acknowledges that Saka’s time to prove his fitness is limited.
Defensive challenges are also mounting for the Gunners. William Saliba will miss today’s match after receiving a red card against Bournemouth. His absence would typically open the door for Calafiori, but the Italian is also a doubt following a knee issue that forced him off against Shakhtar. Arteta described the news on Calafiori as “not great,” highlighting potential depth concerns at the back.
