Arsenal suffer injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash

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Arsenal’s build-up to the Liverpool game has taken a hit after an injury scare, and the timing could hardly be worse with selection rhythm so important before a marquee fixture.

Mikel Arteta has spent the early part of the season leaning on a settled core to control tempo, press high, and create overloads between the lines, and any late disruption in that area risks forcing a tactical tweak on short notice.

The player in question is central to Arsenal’s pressing triggers, set-piece routines, and chance creation, so even the threat of reduced minutes changes how the bench is arranged and how the first and second phases are planned out.

Liverpool arrive with energy and depth, and this particular absence would shift responsibilities onto teammates who can carry the ball but may not replicate the same scanning, weight of pass, and final-third timing, which is why the medical update over the next 48 hours matters as much as any training-ground drill.

The concern stems from the Leeds match at the Emirates Stadium, where Martin Ødegaard complained of a shoulder problem after a coming together and was seen moving gingerly while receiving attention near the touchline.

The expectation is that Arsenal will run further assessments and, if needed, scans to determine the extent of the issue and whether he can feature from the start against Liverpool.

Ødegaard’s potential absence would be significant as Liverpool host the Gunners on the 31st of August.

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