Arsenal could be without star defender William Saliba to face Liverpool this weekend, with the Gunners not sure that the centre-back will return in time to travel up to Anfield.
According to the Evening Standard, the north London side are losing hope that Saliba will be match-fit to face Liverpool, with the French international missing Arsenal’s last two Premier League matches after suffering a back injury.
Whilst Rob Holding has impressed for the Gunners in recent weeks, many Arsenal fans will agree that Saliba missing the trip to Anfield is a massive blow, especially with Mikel Arteta’s side failing to win at Liverpool since 2012, a match that the 40-year-old coach actually took part in.
As for Liverpool, though the £27m defender potentially missing out on the clash is a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who will be looking to return to winning ways having failed to win in all competitions since their historic 7-0 victory against Manchester United last month.
Indeed, the Reds will be up against it this weekend when they welcome the Premier League leaders. However, with Saliba set to miss the match through injury, Klopp and his side could have a chance of getting an incredible result against Arsenal at Anfield.
Saliba’s absence could swing Premier League clash in Liverpool’s favour
It might seem unfair to pin Arsenal’s chances of beating Liverpool onto one player, but given just how important Saliba has been for the club this season and how big the difference in quality is from the Frenchman to Holding, the Reds could have a genuine chance of getting an unexpected win on Sunday.
Three points will be massive for Liverpool in their quest to claw their way back up the Premier League table, and with Saliba now set to be ruled out for Arsenal, the Merseyside giants have to believe in themselves to get a result this weekend.