Providing an update on Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal manager said:
During the international break, Bukayo Saka pulled out of England’s squad after sustaining a hamstring injury and returned to Arsenal to continue his rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Emile Smith-Rowe also suffered a hip problem while on international duty with the England Under-21 team. Arteta said that further scans will be needed to determine if the player would be fit to face Liverpool.
The Arsenal manager said about Smith-Rowe:
The potential absence of both players is a huge blow for Arsenal ahead of their clash against the reigning Premier League champions.
Despite still being teenagers, Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka have both been integral members of Arsenal’s first team.
Arsenal and Liverpool gearing up for season-defining clash
Arsenal have important games on the horizon. Immediately after hosting Liverpool on Saturday, they will welcome Slavia Prague to the Emirates for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Despite the importance of the continental fixture, Mikel Arteta insists that his focus is on the weekend’s clash with Liverpool.
Meanwhile, defending champions Liverpool’s poor run of form in 2021 means they face an uphill task to secure a top-four finish. So that makes it imperative that they pick up all three points against Arsenal in north London.
Jurgen Klopp’s side also have a continental tie of their own to negotiate, as European heavyweights Real Madrid stand in the way of Liverpool’s third UEFA Champions League semifinal in four years.
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