Bukayo Saka fitness update as Arsenal sweat on star’s hamstring concern amid injury crisis ahead of Liverpool showdown

Arsenal are not ruling out Bukayo Saka from Sunday’s title showdown against Liverpool.

After Tuesday night’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, head coach Mikel Arteta 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.

Saka’s inclusion would come as a major boost to Arsenal, who will certainly be without William Saliba due to suspension.

Riccardo Calafiori, who limped off with a knee injury against Shakhtar, is a doubt for the game while medics will make a late call on Jurrien Timber’s fitness for the game against Liverpool due to a muscular injury.

Captain Martin Odegaard is also returning from a long-term ankle problem but Arteta has expressed pessimism about his hopes of returning against Liverpool

Bukayo Saka fitness update as Arsenal sweat on youngster’s hamstring concern amid injury crisis ahead of Liverpool showdown