Mikel Arteta has confirmed the latest injury news for his Arsenal squad as they prepare to face Liverpool in a crunch match on Sunday. The Spaniard is looking to ensure that the title remains in his side’s hands heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Gunners hold a terrible record at Anfield having not won there since Arteta played in 2012. A win here would be the biggest proof of how far they have come this season.
They will likely have to do it without star centre-back William Saliba though after the coach refused to confirm his availability. It is a continuation of the knock that has kept him sidelined since being taken off against Sporting CP in the Europa League loss before the international break.
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“No, no real changes with the rest of the players that were still injured," he said. We have some hope with one of them who will maybe be able to train but we'll see."
He didn't directly refer to Saliba, though he is one of the few that has been out. He had previously said he was optimistic of seeing the Frenchman play again this season. "Yeah, I am very hopeful and he is as well," Arteta said before the international break. Bukayo Saka was also missing against Leeds due to illness but the coach confirmed he was available having recovered. Ben White also missed that game with a knock but Arteta's hint with training makes his inclusion hopeful.
Arsenal could also be without key forward Eddie Nketiah. The Englishman has been missing since he returned limped to the end against Everton in the 4-0 win in February. "Yeah, I’m very hopeful and he is as well," the Spaniard explained.
"Back injuries are a bit tricky, how they evolve with the load in certain areas but he’s very positive about it, the medical staff are positive about it, so let’s push it every day a little bit and see how he copes with that and how the pain develops. He’s so willing to be back with the team."
The good news for Arsenal is that Gabriel Jesus has shown no signs of letting up since coming back. He is place to start in the frontline once more. Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are long-term abscences from the squad.
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