Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a concerning injury update on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ahead of the Gunners’ crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, August 31.
The North London side have made a perfect start to the 2025/26 Premier League season with back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Leeds United. However, their dominant 5-0 victory over Leeds was overshadowed by injury scares to two of their most influential stars — Saka and Odegaard.
Bukayo Saka Injury Update: Winger Ruled Out for Weeks
Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka will not be available for the upcoming game and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
“Bukayo is doing better, but he will be out for a few weeks. No surgery is needed, and it’s not as bad as the previous one,” Arteta told reporters. “It was an action that required full power from him, had to change direction, and he felt something.”
This is a significant blow for Arsenal, as Saka has been a consistent performer on the right flank and a key part of the team’s attacking setup.
Martin Odegaard Injury: Doubtful for Anfield Trip
Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard remains a major doubt for the Liverpool game. The Norwegian midfielder has not returned to full training, and his availability will depend on a last-minute fitness test.
“He hasn’t trained yet and, if he does, it will be tomorrow,” Arteta added.
Odegaard’s absence would leave a creative void in Arsenal’s midfield — a gap that could impact the team’s control and build-up play against the reigning Premier League champions.
Other Arsenal Injury Concerns
In addition to Saka and Odegaard, Arsenal could also be without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Christian Nørgaard, and Ben White — all of whom are nursing injuries and remain doubtful for the weekend fixture.
Predicted Arsenal Line-Up vs Liverpool
With several first-team players unavailable, Mikel Arteta will likely turn to his squad depth to navigate this high-stakes encounter.
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino
Forwards: Noni Madueke, Eddie Nketiah, Eberechi Eze
New signing Eberechi Eze is expected to start on the left wing, while Noni Madueke could step in for Saka on the right.
In midfield, Arteta may hand a start to Mikel Merino, partnering Rice and Zubimendi, offering more balance and experience in the absence of Odegaard.
There is also the possibility of teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri being given a starting berth if Arteta opts for a more attacking setup.
Final Thoughts
Facing Liverpool at Anfield is always a stern test, and doing so without key players like Saka and Odegaard adds another layer of difficulty for Arsenal.
However, with improved squad depth and tactical flexibility, Arteta still has options to mount a strong challenge.
Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on the final training sessions, hoping for a positive update on Odegaard’s fitness. Regardless, Sunday’s fixture promises to be a blockbuster early-season clash with major title implications.
