Mikel Arteta delivers Arsenal blow ahead of Liverpool clash, key man not training
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Ciaran Morrison
Fri 29 August 2025 14:05, UK
Mikel Arteta has been handed a major blow just two days before Arsenal are due to travel to title rivals Liverpool.
The Gunners were unbeaten against Liverpool in the Premier League last season, but finished ten points behind the Reds.
Arteta has been busy in the transfer market to rectify their striker issues and add further depth to his squad, and that may be tested at Liverpool.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided an update on captain Martin Odegaard who was also substituted against Leeds with a shoulder problem.
As per Simon Collings on X [29 August], Arteta stated that Odegaard “hasn’t trained yet and if he does, it will be tomorrow.
“He is doing everything he can to make himself available.”
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Football Insider Verdict
The purchase of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace could soften the blow on Odegaard’s expected absence against Liverpool.
Odegaard faced a spell on the sidelines last season and Arteta did not have the depth to adequately replaced the midfielder.
Martin OdegaardStatsAppearances200Goals41Assists38Odegaard’s Arsenal record in all competitions.
The Norwegian is vital for Arsenal in the number 10 position, but Eze can now take that role on.
Eze could make his debut at Liverpool after not being available for the win over Leeds, and the 27-year-old has the creativity and flair to ensure Arsenal do not suffer without Odegaard or Saka.