Mikel Arteta has openly questioned whether Bukayo Saka will be ready for Arsenal’s upcoming showdown with Liverpool. The talented winger, sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for England, was noticeably absent during Arsenal’s recent 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. This absence extended into the week, as Saka did not feature in any capacity before the midweek Champions League encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Arteta, when asked about Saka’s participation in the crucial Premier League fixture against Liverpool, offered little reassurance. “I’m not very helpful at the moment,” he confessed during a press conference, hinting at uncertainty. “We still have a few days,” he added, leaving room for hope but not confirming anything definitive. This statement came after earlier suggestions that Saka might return to training, yet he remained out of action.

The injury, which occurred during the international break in England’s match against Greece, has kept Saka off the pitch for nearly two weeks. Arteta has managed to navigate this period without his key player, choosing instead to deploy Raheem Sterling on the right flank in the Bournemouth game. However, Sterling’s tenure on the pitch was cut short after William Saliba’s dismissal, necessitating a tactical reshuffle.

Mikel Arteta has cast doubt over Bukayo Saka’s availability for Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Liverpool

Moreover, Arsenal’s defensive options remain limited with Jurrien Timber also out. Timber, who did not travel for international duty, stayed back at the training facility, signaling ongoing recovery from his own injury woes. He, too, was absent from the recent training sessions open to the media, indicating his participation in the Liverpool game is doubtful.

This string of injuries poses a significant challenge for Arsenal as they prepare to face Liverpool. Arteta’s cautious approach suggests a careful balancing act between player welfare and team performance. “Let’s see how he feels today and the transition that we have later on,” Arteta noted on Monday, underlining the fluid situation surrounding Saka’s fitness.

As Arsenal looks to bounce back from their recent defeat, the absence of key players like Saka and Timber could prove crucial. Arteta’s management of these situations will be under scrutiny, especially with the high stakes of facing a formidable opponent like Liverpool. The coming days will be critical for both Saka’s recovery and Arsenal’s strategy going into this pivotal match.

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Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin recently opened up about his longing to return to the Emirates Stadium, not as a player, but as a fan. “I find immense joy in seeing Arsenal’s current success, and recently, I’ve been reflecting on my time there,” Bellerin shared.

This reflection has unearthed a deep appreciation for the club that once embraced him. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of Arsenal, to have shared moments with the people there, and to have been welcomed by the city,” he remarked.

Moreover, Bellerin’s perspective on Arsenal has evolved since leaving the club. “With each passing year, I grow more aware of the club’s magnitude. While at Arsenal, I sensed its size, but from the outside, that feeling amplifies,” he explained. However, he clarified, “It’s not just about financial strength, but about what Arsenal symbolizes and the vibrant energy it exudes today.”