Arsenal Star Bukayo Saka Ruled Out of Crucial Liverpool Clash - Here's Why

Arsenal make the journey to Anfield this Sunday for a showdown with Liverpool in what promises to be a crucial early-season encounter that could significantly impact the Premier League championship battle, though they'll be missing their key right-wing talent.

Bukayo Saka, for anyone who didn't catch the Leeds United match last weekend, sustained a hamstring problem during the second half and had to be substituted. The England winger was sprinting towards the Leeds penalty area before delivering a pass when he suddenly pulled up and collapsed to the turf. With Saka having missed substantial time last campaign due to a muscle problem, supporters feared a repeat scenario occurring just two matches into the new season. However, there are some positive aspects to consider.

Firstly, it was his left hamstring that was affected. His right hamstring underwent surgery last season, causing him to be sidelined for three months. Additionally, the current injury isn't thought to be serious and he's only anticipated to be unavailable for several weeks according to boss Mikel Arteta.

Regarding other fitness updates, team captain Martin Ødegaard has returned to the squad for the Liverpool fixture after suffering a shoulder problem against Leeds too. The Norwegian midfielder was also withdrawn early, with Ethan Nwaneri coming on as his replacement, and was a doubt going into the Liverpool encounter. He's been included on the substitutes' bench along with summer acquisition Eberechi Eze.

The ex-Crystal Palace player might make his debut Arsenal outing from the bench as Arteta chose Mikel Merino to start alongside Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Arsenal head to Anfield having maintained an unbeaten run against Liverpool in the Premier League for more than 1,250 days. The North London side have secured draws in their last three league visits to this venue, with their most recent defeat there coming in November 2021.