Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Liverpool is set to reclaim the top position in the Premier League with a win over Arsenal. However, this will not be a straightforward task for the Reds, even against opponents struggling with injuries. The clash is slated for Sunday afternoon in north London, with Liverpool hoping to restore their lead after Manchester City surged to the summit, courtesy of Erling Haaland’s goal in their 1-0 victory over Southampton.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a series of selection headaches, which could offer Liverpool an advantage. Martin Odegaard remains sidelined as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Additionally, Arsenal will be without William Saliba, who is suspended following a red card against Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta provided a vague update during a pre-match press conference regarding player recoveries.
Mikel Arteta said “He has had the first session he could have some involvement with. He has been out for a while. We expected him to be further back than where he is at the moment, but again we have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding the fitness of another key player, Timber. Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Dutch national team, might have shed some light on Timber’s condition. The provisional squad for the upcoming international break did not include Timber, hinting at ongoing fitness concerns.
Martin Odegaard said “I feel like it’s close now but, although I haven’t been involved in games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well, too. To be honest my days haven’t been much different to before. I’m still at the training ground every day, and they are long days, as well. I’m usually pretty tired after – because I’ve been doing a lot of work with the great medical and fitness team we have and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym, as well.”
