Arsenal injury updates ahead of Liverpool clash: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and more
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Arsenal have enjoyed a winning start the season but will be sweating over the fitness of numerous star players as they travel to Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners thrashed newly-promoted Leeds United 5-0 last weekend to make an early statement of intent in the title race, building on their slender victory at Old Trafford in the opening matchweek.
But just as was the case last term, injuries could prove detrimental to Mikel Arteta’s push to finally win major silverware at the Emirates, with Arsenal’s absentee list already beginning to grow.
Here’s the status of every Arsenal player currently on the treatment table.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s talismanic winger hobbled off against Leeds with another hamstring problem, this time in his left leg.
“We'll have to wait, speak to the doctors and understand better what he's done.”
Possible return: End of September
Bukayo Saka hobbled off against Leeds (AP)
Martin Odegaard
The Gunners skipper similarly suffered a new injury last weekend, departing the field in the first half with a shoulder issue.
“We don't know, we'll have to scan him and understand a bit better.”
Possible return: After international break
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard (right) was also injured against Leeds (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
Kai Havertz
The German has not featured for Arsenal since suffering a knee injury against Manchester United on the opening weekend.
Havertz has been ruled out for Germany's World Cup qualifiers next month and is now expected to undergo surgery.
"He certainly won't make it, he has a knee injury,” German football federation (DFB) national team director Rudi Voller said.
“We don't know exactly how it will go in the coming weeks, whether surgery is upcoming or it will be treated conservatively.”
Possible return: Unknown
Kai Havertz could be forced to go under the knife (Getty)
Ben White
The defender was left out against former side Leeds after suffering an unspecified knock and missing training in the week leading up to the clash.
Arteta, however, hinted that this was a precautionary measure and therefore White could be brought back into the fold to face Liverpool.
Possible return: 31 August
Ben White (left) could make fitness to face Liverpool (AP)
Christian Norgaard
Summer signing Norgaard has yet to make his Arsenal debut due to a minor unspecified injury, but comments from his manager hint that he is closing in on a return.
Arteta said he will be out for “another week or so” prior to the Leeds game, meaning he could be in line to feature against Liverpool.
Possible return: 31 August
Christian Norgaard has yet to make his competitive Arsenal debut (Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian suffered an ACL tear in January and remains sidelined, having missed the remainder of last season.
Possible return: November