‘Very uncertain’ – Arsenal trio doubtful for Liverpool clash

Mikel Arteta says it is “very uncertain” as to whether Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will be able to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Calafiori became the latest injury worry for Arteta when he was taken off with a knee injury in the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Saka and Timber have both been absent of late through injury and Arteta says it remains to be seen whether they can play against Liverpool.

“We’re going to do our very best to somehow have them available but it’s very, very uncertain,” he said.

“He (Calafiori) needs some more tests. Yesterday he had some, today he’s going to have some more and from there we will know because last time we thought it was really bad and then he ended up playing two days after so let’s see.

“The last time it happened, but this time might be different.

“Saka has done a bit of training on the grass, how far we can get him until Sunday, that’s a different question.

“We have another day which is a good thing, that this week we had an extra day, but we will see.

“Timber, it was the first session where he could have some involvement.

“He’s been out for a while. We expect him to be further along than where he is at the moment but again we have to wait and see.”

One player who definitely will not be available to face Liverpool is William Saliba, who is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth.

“We have different options, players that already played there before,” Arteta said on his absence.

“It’s true that the partnership has been very stable. He’s played every single moment but he’s not available and we have to find a solution.”