Arsenal will be without a crucial player for their Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday, October 27. Mikel Artetaโs team, already facing setbacks in their title bid after a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on October 19, sit third in the league, four points behind leaders Liverpool as they head into the Emirates showdown.
Arsenal have been missing captain Martin Odegaard since he picked up an injury during international duty in early September. Additionally, key attacker Bukayo Saka was absent from last weekendโs defeat due to a hamstring injury he sustained while representing England.
After the Bournemouth game, Arteta expressed uncertainty regarding the decision to send off William Saliba, who will miss the Liverpool clash. โThe decision has been made, so thatโs it,โ Arteta said, adding that it was a split-second judgment with the striker on Salibaโs back. Initially shown a yellow card by referee Rob Jones, Salibaโs foul on forward Evanilson, who was through on goal, was upgraded to a red card after a review.
Salibaโs absence will be limited to the Liverpool game, as he is eligible to return for Arsenalโs Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Artetaโs defensive options are limited, but Jurrien Timber could slot in at right-back, allowing Ben White to shift into Salibaโs position alongside Gabriel, though Timberโs fitness is still a concern.
Sky Sports confirmed that Arsenal will not appeal Salibaโs red card, despite some debate over the decision, as it occurred near the halfway line rather than closer to goalkeeper David Rayaโs goal.