Liverpool vs Arsenal: 6 Players Set To Miss Crucial Premier League Clash at Anfield
- Six key players from Arsenal and Liverpool are set to miss or face doubts ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash
- Saka and Havertz are confirmed out for Arsenal, while Mac Allister remains a doubt for Liverpool
- Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been tagged as the top two favourites for the Premier League title this season
With the 2025/26 Premier League season only two games old, both Liverpool and Arsenal are aiming to maintain their perfect starts.
The Reds will host the Gunners in a blockbuster clash at Anfield on Sunday, with title-race implications already in the air.
Source: Getty Images
However, both teams are battling with injuries as key players will be missing from what promises to be an exciting game for everyone watching, Sports Mole reports.
Six players are set to miss the thrilling game, and Legit.ng has taken a look at what their absence means for each side.
Arsenal’s injury concerns highlighted
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal head into the game at Anfield with three major injury worries.
1. Bukayo Saka (hamstring):
Arsenal’s talisman, Bukayo Saka and most influential attacker will not feature in the game.
According to Football London, Arteta confirmed Saka is ruled out after sustaining a hamstring problem during the 5-0 victory over Leeds United.
2. Kai Havertz (surgery):
German midfielder Kai Havertz has undergone surgery and will miss several weeks of action.
Having started the season strongly, his absence reduces Arteta’s midfield rotation options and forces a reshuffle in attacking roles.
3. Martin Odegaard (shoulder):
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, is racing against time and could be sidelined for the top clash at Anfield.
While his shoulder injury, which he sustained in the 5-0 win against Leeds, is not as severe as initially feared, Arteta stopped short of confirming his availability.
4. Ben White:
Additionally, Ben White is also a doubt for Arsenal ahead of the crunch game against Liverpool.
Liverpool’s also battling with injuries
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have also been hit with fitness concerns as they look to maintain momentum following back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle.
5. Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring):
The dynamic full-back, who has already shown his importance in stretching opposition defences, will remain sidelined until after the international break.
Source: Getty Images
6. Alexis Mac Allister (fitness issue):
The Argentine midfielder missed the 3-2 thriller against Newcastle. While Slot hinted at a possible return, there is still uncertainty over whether he will be fully fit for the weekend.
Liverpool’s defence has also looked shaky in their opening matches, and missing players in midfield and at full-back could make them even more vulnerable against Arsenal’s pressing game.
What does this mean for the clash
The absences on both sides could shape the balance of Sunday’s match:
Without Saka and Havertz, Arsenal will have to rely heavily on Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and possibly Leandro Trossard to provide the goals.
For Liverpool, Slot will hope Mac Allister is fit enough to feature; otherwise, Arsenal may dominate possession in the middle of the park.
Arteta provides injury updates on Arsenal
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka after both suffered injuries against Leeds United.
Arsenal continued their impressive start to the season with a 5-0 win over the newly-promoted side, following their opening day 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Source: Legit.ng
