Arsenal suffer huge blow ahead of Liverpool game as key player ruled out of title race clash

Arsenal will be without a crucial player for their Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday, October 27. Mikel Arteta’s 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 weekend’s 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. “The decision has been made, so that’s it,” Arteta said, adding that it was a split-second judgment with the striker on Saliba’s back. Initially shown a yellow card by referee Rob Jones, Saliba’s foul on forward Evanilson, who was through on goal, was upgraded to a red card after a review.

Saliba’s absence will be limited to the Liverpool game, as he is eligible to return for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Arteta’s defensive options are limited, but Jurrien Timber could slot in at right-back, allowing Ben White to shift into Saliba’s position alongside Gabriel, though Timber’s fitness is still a concern.

Sky Sports confirmed that Arsenal will not appeal Saliba’s red card, despite some debate over the decision, as it occurred near the halfway line rather than closer to goalkeeper David Raya’s goal.