Arsenal could be without five players vs Liverpool
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesSunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash at Anfield could be title-defining encounter even at this early stage of the season.
Both teams will be desperate to maintain their perfect starts to the 2025-26 campaign.
The fixture has taken on added significance as the Gunners arrive at Anfield potentially without five players, threatening to derail their title aspirations before September even begins.
Arsenal head into the match having impressed in their opening fixtures, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United before dismantling Leeds United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
However, that commanding display against Leeds came at a significant cost, with key players picking up injuries that could severely hamper Mikel Arteta’s options for one of the season’s biggest tests.
Christian Nørgaard – doubt
The Danish midfielder remains a major doubt for Sunday’s trip to Merseyside after missing both of Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixtures.
Nørgaard was absent from the squad that travelled to Old Trafford for the season opener, with Arteta revealing post-match that “he had a little issue the medical staff will address.
While there remains hope that Nørgaard could return for the Liverpool fixture, his continued absence from training suggests Arsenal will not risk their new defensive midfielder unless he proves his fitness.
Ben White – minor doubt
Arsenal’s versatile defender faces a late fitness test after being substituted during the second half of the victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
He remained absent from the open training session before the Leeds match?
The England international’s injury status remains unclear, though reports suggest he is dealing with a knock sustained during the United game.
Arteta’s medical staff are continuing to assess White’s condition, with the defender considered a minor doubt for the Anfield showdown.
Bukayo Saka – out
England winger Bukayo Saka suffered a worrying hamstring injury during the second half of Arsenal’s 5-0 triumph over Leeds United, departing the field in the 53rd minute after initially scoring the Gunners’ second goal on the stroke of half-time.
Subsequent scans revealed that the Arsenal star will be out until after the September international break, ruling him out of the clash vs Liverpool.
Martin Ødegaard – doubt
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off during the first half of the Leeds victory with a shoulder injury sustained after landing awkwardly from a challenge.
Arteta confirmed post-match that “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed” and that the Norwegian would undergo scans.
Ødegaard has received encouraging news from medical assessments, with reports indicating the injury is not expected to result in a long-term absence.
However, the midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s big encounter at Anfield remains uncertain.
He was however called up to the Norway team for this coming international break.
Kai Havertz – out
The German forward faces the most serious injury concern of the lot.
Havertz sustained the injury during Arsenal’s opening weekend and has been undergoing extensive assessments to determine the full extent of the damage
Reports suggest the 26-year-old is considering surgery on his knee.
He will definitely be out for the Anfield visit
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