The latest Saka injury news has given Arsenal supporters a real lift ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Premier League trip to Anfield. Mikel Arteta addressed the media on Friday and confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s follow-up scan brought encouraging results.
The manager also covered several other fitness issues and spoke about facing an old friend in the Liverpool dugout.
Saka Injury Scan Brings Welcome Relief
Saka picked up his problem in the Bayern Munich game, and Arsenal’s medical team wanted a closer look. They arranged a second scan to track how the issue was developing.
Arteta explained what the doctors needed to learn. “He needed another scan to see how the amount of fluid that was there was resolving,” the boss said on Bukayo, “[we needed to know] whether the tendon is touched and how badly it is touched.
“That’s all fine, and afterwards we’ll know more about it. We want to have him as quick as possible. The player is desperate, he’s feeling much better than he was a few days ago.”
Could Saka Be Back Before the International Break?
Arteta was asked if the winger could return before the next international break. His answer was hopeful but careful.
“He looks like it; we need to wait and see how he evolves.”
It is not a guarantee. Still, it is a positive outlook for a player Arsenal are eager to have back.
Madueke Faces a Fitness Test
With Saka out, Noni Madueke has played most of the minutes on the right wing. The England winger missed Tuesday’s trip to Fleetwood.
His place in the squad for Liverpool is still undecided. Speaking at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon, Arteta said the answer will come after training.
“We don’t know yet,” Mikel said, “we’ll have a training session tomorrow.
“[We’ll] see if he can complete that full session tomorrow and as I said, I will know whether he’s available or not.”
Madueke’s Saturday session will decide whether he is involved.
Calafiori, Rice and Tzolis Aim to Return
There was more positive news elsewhere in the squad. Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Christos Tzolis all want to be back for Sunday.
The trio trained on Friday afternoon. They now have to come through Saturday’s session as well to stay in contention.
Arteta kept his update short. “They all trained today and they will train tomorrow. If everything is OK, they will be available.”
Having a defender, a midfielder and a forward return would give Arsenal extra options for a tough away match.
A Reunion With Andoni Iraola
Arteta also spoke about the personal side of this fixture. He will go head-to-head with Andoni Iraola, the new Liverpool manager, who took over in the summer.
Both men come from the Basque region. As youngsters, they played together for Antiguoko in San Sebastien. Iraola has met Arteta six times as Bournemouth boss.
Arteta said he values the occasion. “It’s a privilege,” he said in his press conference. “Someone who has been your teammate, that you spent so many beautiful moments together when we were younger. To be facing each other, to be close, massive clubs in this country, in Europe, in a big match like this, it’s a blessing.
“I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it’s so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history for sure, that is. We expect a big game on Sunday; we’re looking forward to it for sure. It’s been 14 years since we last won there, so it’s time to do it.”
Arsenal Chase a First Anfield Win in 14 Years
That closing remark highlights the main storyline of the weekend. Arsenal’s last league victory at Anfield came in September 2012, a 2-0 win. Arteta played in midfield that day.
He wants his players to see the game as an opportunity. He also pointed to his own time at Arsenal as proof that long waits can end.
“It’s an opportunity. I came here [to Arsenal] and in many places we were 20, 22 years, 18 years without winning, and we’ve been doing all these things, so on Sunday, that’s the opportunity that we have.
“We’re going there with full conviction; that’s number one, and we’ve been very, very close in the last few years to win. But something is missed, and that’s what we’ve been discussing the last few days. To go there with a real purpose. To hurt them and get away from there with a victory.”
What the Saka Injury News Means for Sunday
Arsenal travel to Merseyside with plenty to feel good about. The Saka injury scan result is positive, and three more players are pushing to return. Madueke’s fitness is the main question still open.
Arteta’s words suggest a squad with real belief. Saturday’s training will settle who is fit, and then attention turns to ending that 14-year wait.