Arsenal make the trip to Anfield this Sunday to take on Liverpool in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the early Premier League season. Mikel Arteta’s men know they need to return from Merseyside with something to show if they are to keep pace with Arne Slot’s side at the top of the table.
Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Alexis Mac Allister remains doubtful. Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to cope without Bukayo Saka after the winger picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Leeds United.
Ødegaard injury update
The bigger question for Arsenal is whether Martin Ødegaard will be ready to feature. The captain was forced off against Leeds with a shoulder problem after a heavy collision midway through the first half. He initially tried to continue but was eventually replaced by youngster Ethan Nwaneri just before the break.
Early fears suggested that the injury could be serious, but there is now growing optimism inside the Arsenal camp that Ødegaard could recover in time. According to journalist Martin Samuel, the Norwegian faces a late fitness test but confidence is building that he will be available for Sunday’s showdown.
Why Ødegaard’s presence is vital
Arteta has often described Ødegaard as a “important” player, and with good reason. His combination of creativity, vision, and pressing intelligence makes him irreplaceable in Arsenal’s system. He sets the tempo in possession, threading passes that few others in the squad can, while also leading the press from the front—something that will be crucial against Liverpool’s high-energy style at Anfield.
Without Ødegaard, Arsenal would likely need to shuffle their midfield. Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Ezecan bring exciting qualities, but neither possesses the same level of control or tactical awareness. In that case, Mikel Merino would be the most logical choice to step in centrally, with the younger players used in wider roles.
The bottom line
For Arsenal, having Ødegaard fit could be the difference between merely competing and truly believing they can get a result at Anfield. With Saka already ruled out, the Gunners will be desperate for their captain to lead the way in what could be a decisive early-season clash.
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