Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his concerns ahead of the crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday. Key defender William Saliba will miss the game after receiving a red card in the 25th minute of Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth, leading to their first defeat of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

Following Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, Arteta confirmed that recent signing Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury during the match. Calafiori appeared to injure his knee in the second half and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arteta also revealed that Bukayo Saka is still sidelined and not yet back in training. “Saka is not training yet, so he won’t be available, and Ricci [Calafiori] felt something and couldn’t continue. It’s a bit of a worry,” Arteta admitted.

In addition, Arsenal will be without captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurrien Timber, both of whom are still working on regaining fitness ahead of the Liverpool showdown.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal have earned seven points from their first three Champions League fixtures.