Arsenal ‘handed major boost after injury to key player’ – with SEVEN stars currently out ahead of crunch Liverpool clash

Arsenal have been handed some rare positive news on the injury front, according to reports, as the north London side struggle with fitness issues.

The Gunners are currently without a number of key stars, with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori among those out of action for Mikel Arteta with fitness issues.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken offered something of an insight into Odegaard’s progress when he revealed the Gunners captain has a chance to feature in the next round of international fixtures. 

However, there has been some good news coming out of Italy according to reports, with Corriere dello Sport claiming that Calafiori’s injury will see him miss out for ‘weeks rather than months’.

The versatile defender went down in midweek after awkwardly twisting his knee, with Arsenal fans surely fearing the worst.

The Italian defender went down after initially attempting to play on after an awkward twist

Mikel Arteta has a number of injury headaches with seven players currently out for Sunday’s game

Calafiori initially returned to action after receiving some on-field treatment from the medical staff at the Emirates, but within minutes was back down, and his game was over. 

However, it would appear that he in fact suffered medial cruciate ligament damage to the knee which will still see him sidelined for the next few games but not, crucially, a significant spell. 

Arteta is set to face the media on Friday ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Liverpool, where he is likely to be questioned on the Italian’s progress. 

Meanwhile, the Gunners boss said it was ‘unlikely’ that Saka would be fit for the visit of Arne Slot’s league leaders due to a hamstring injury suffered on international duty.

But it is understood that Saka is hoping to prove his fitness for the clash against the Merseysiders while Arsenal are willing to give the attacker every opportunity to be available for selection.

England and Arsenal medical staff are sure the injury is not serious, while Arteta himself claimed last week that Saka wouldn’t be a long-term absentee.

It remains to be seen whether Saka is named in the side to face Liverpool, but there is a sense of positivity that he can available if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks ahead of the game.

It is understood that a late call will be made on Jurrien Timber’s fitness ahead of the Liverpool clash, which will also come as a boost. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also currently injured. 

Arsenal take on Liverpool on Sunday at the Emirates with Arne Slot’s side top of the table

Saka has missed Arsenal’s last two matches after injuring his hamstring against Greece 

A fit Timber would lessen the strain on the backline, with William Saliba also suspended for Sunday’s game. 

Should the Dutchman pass his late test, the Gunners could line up with a back four of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior and Timber on the left.