'Felt something': Arteta confirms Arsenal may have suffered 'significant' injury problem before facing Liverpool
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Liverpool face a huge week in the Premier League as they prepare to come up against Newcastle United and Arsenal.
The Reds got off to a good start with three points against Bournemouth, but know they must improve if they are to win their next two games.
Newcastle pose a fairly unique threat given all the noise surrounding Alexander Isak right now, but the bigger of the two games is undoubtedly against Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday.
The Gunners have started the Premier League season well, winning away at Old Trafford before thumping Leeds United 5-0 on Sunday.
While Mikel Arteta will be delighted with his team’s first two matches, though, Sunday was not all positive for Arsenal.
Arteta saw both Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka leave the pitch with suspected injuries.
With just one week to go before they head to Liverpool, the Arsenal manager gave an update on the situations of Odegaard and Saka ahead of that enormous clash.
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Liverpool against Arsenal has become a key Premier League match in recent seasons, as both aim for the Premier League title.
The Reds have not beaten the Londoners in each of the past three campaigns in the league, although it must be said that Arsenal’s record at Anfield is shockingly bad as well.
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A win feels overdue for Liverpool, and speaking after the Leeds match via The Athletic, Arteta suggested that Arsenal may have to get a result without Odegaard, Saka and perhaps Kai Havertz.
“Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed,” said the Spaniard.
“We will have to scan it tomorrow and understand it a bit better.”
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“Bukayo was carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender and he felt something in his hamstring.
“It’s not the same one as the previous injury” Arteta added.
“But it’s been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well equipped you have to be in this league to maintain the level we want.”
Arteta’s update does not mean either Odegaard or Saka will not be seen against Liverpool next week.
The Arsenal boss has been known to play games over injuries in the past.
However, Saka in particular looked unlikely to be ready given his issue is a muscular one.
Whether with or without their best players, Liverpool should be confident of finally beating a Gunners team who, despite their good start, have not completely convincing in their performances.
With the game taking place on home turf, the Reds have the perfect chance to send out a message to Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League that they are the favourites once again.
Liverpool have injuries of their own to worry about with the right-back situation still in the spotlight.