Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a mixed bag of news on the injury front as his side prepares to host high-flying Liverpool in a pivotal Premier League encounter this weekend.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori will be sidelined for a few weeks with a “slight problem” according to Corriere dello Sport.
The news is a relief for Arteta, as initial concerns suggested a more serious injury sustained during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, the fitness of winger Bukayo Saka remains a major concern. The club has yet to provide a full update on his condition, casting doubt on his availability for the Liverpool clash.
Arsenal’s defensive woes deepened with the news of Calafiori’s absence, adding to the suspension of William Saliba for a red card received last weekend. Both players will be unavailable against Liverpool.
This comes at a crucial time for the Gunners, who currently trail Liverpool by four points in the Premier League table. A loss at the Emirates Stadium could see the gap widen significantly.
Liverpool, buoyed by their recent win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League, see an opportunity to capitalize on Arsenal’s injury woes.
A victory would extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points, sending a strong message of intent to their title rivals.
