Mikel Arteta issues Bukayo Saka fitness update for Liverpool clash and hints William Saliba is back in training
BUKAYO SAKA will be available for Arsenal’s crunch clash with Liverpool this weekend.
The England international was a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Anfield after missing the Gunners‘ rout of Leeds last weekend.
Saka missed the 4-1 win due to illness but is ready to start Sunday’s match with the Merseysiders.
When asked if the 21-year-old will be fit to play, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yeah he is.”
Saka has been one of the league leaders’ star performers this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up ten assists in all competitions.
But Arteta is adamant the winger hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full potential.
The Spaniard told Sky Sports last month: “First of all, I think you have to recognise what he’s been doing.
“The consistency he’s shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He’s taken it with normality.
“If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: ‘Yes – a lot.’
“He’s never satisfied, he always wants more and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently, but we are really pleased to have him.”
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As well as Saka, Arteta also hinted that the recently-injured William Saliba will return to the starting XI at Anfield.
He said of the Frenchman: “I’m very hopeful and he is as well.
“Back injuries are a bit tricky, how they evolve with the load in certain areas but he’s very positive about it.
“The medical staff are positive about it, so let’s push it every day a little bit and see how he copes with that and how the pain develops.
“He’s so willing to be back with the team.”
Arsenal currently top the Premier League table by eight points, although they have played a game more than defending champions Manchester City.