Will Bukayo Saka play against Liverpool? Mikel Arteta delivers honest injury update after Arsenal talisman is forced to sit out Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk

The England international suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty earlier this month which kept him sidelined for the Gunners’ last two games against Bournemouth and Shakhtar Donetsk. After their Champions League encounter on Tuesday, Arteta provided an update on Saka’s condition while admitting he might not be available for selection against Liverpool this weekend.

• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  In his post-match press conference, Arteta said: “I don’t know [if Saka will be fit to face Liverpool]. He hasn’t been able to train yet so that’s unlikely.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After suffering their first loss of the 2024-25 campaign against Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend, the north London side got back to winning ways as they edged out Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 courtesy of a first-half own goal by Dmytro Riznyk. While the win will provide a much-needed boost to the players’ morale, their performance on the pitch was far from convincing as they saw several chances go begging.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arteta’s side will have their work cut out on Sunday against an in-form Liverpool side, who are currently leading the Premier League title race. The Gunners are four points behind the Reds and cannot afford another defeat when they arrive at the Emirates.