Mikel Arteta offers worrying Bukayo Saka update for Liverpool clash after latest absence

Mikel Arteta admits he is "not very hopeful" that will be back for Arsenal's clash with at the weekend.

The two title rivals meet on Sunday at the Emirates with the Gunners aiming to close the current four point gap that exists between them and the table toppers. Saka was absent last week as suffered their first defeat of the season at .

The winger, who is one of the leading lights in north London, and now finds himself sidelined. The issue is not thought to be a long-term issue and Arsenal were hopeful that Saka could return for the clash with Liverpool.

Now though Arteta has conceded - despite there still being five days until the game - that it is looking increasingly doubtful that the 23-year-old will play. He said: "At the moment I'm not very hopeful. Let's see. We still have a few days."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Arsenal will have to deal with several absentees when they host the Reds. Martin Odegaard has been missing since the last international break as he picked up an injury whilst with Norway. Arteta has said his skipper is "progressing well".

Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined, while Jurrien Timber is also struggling with his own fitness issues with the Arsenal boss conceding that the versatile Dutchman could yet feature. He said the defender was "pretty close".

William Saliba will be a big miss as the Frenchman faces time out due to suspension. He became the third Arsenal player to get sent-off at this early stage of the season. The centre-half has been a hugely influential presence but was dismissed in the loss at Bournemouth.

Arteta has been quizzed on the team's disciplinary record and said: "I think for example what happened in those three cases [the three red cards], it’s nothing to do with aggression in my opinion. Everybody’s got their own opinion, we want to be super competitive when we are – when we show that, it’s great – and then when it doesn’t go your way, you lose and it’s part of the judgement."

Arsenal have been successful against Liverpool on their own patch across the past two seasons. Last term they enjoyed a 3-1 victory over the Merseyside outfit, who have won all but one of their games under new manager .

Liverpool themselves will head to north London without first choice goalkeeper Alisson. The Brazilian is out for several weeks with Caoimhín Kelleher deputising. Diogo Jota was also forced off with an issue on Sunday.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our