Arsenal have a tough home game against Premier League leaders Liverpool this weekend and will be sweating on Bukayo Saka’s fitness
Former Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor believes Arsenal have a major problem if Bukayo Saka misses Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta and Co face an anxious wait over the England international after he missed the last two games due to an injury picked up while on international duty. Ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium, there is still doubt over his availability.
But Saka’s not the only worry and Arsenal could be without up to five players due to injury. Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori are all likely to be out with injury while William Saliba will be serving suspension after his red card against Bournemouth.
Speaking after the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta gave an update on Saka’s condition, saying: “I think he’s going to be close obviously. We have to see how he deals with training with the whole group because he hasn’t done that yet but he will be pretty close hopefully.”
The winger’s return would be highly welcomed but the medical department must ensure it isn’t rushed as that can have a long-term impact on the player. Agbonlahor meanwhile, sees Saka’s potential absence as a huge problem amid Gabriel Jesus’ current form.
“I think they’ve got a big problem with Gabriel Jesus. His form, he hasn’t scored or assisted in 10 appearances this season,” he said on talkSPORT. “When he first signed, he got 11 goals and seven assists in his first season in 2022/23. Last season, in 36 games he got eight goals and eight assists, which isn’t bad.
“But this season, zero goals and zero assists. You know, when players are injured and not available, they’re starting [Raheem] Sterling in front of him and started other players in front of him. Last night he wasn’t great again, taken off for Sterling before 70 minutes.
“They need Gabriel Jesus up to form, especially with your little injuries to [Martin] Odegaard and to [Bukayo] Saka, he needs to step up.”
The Brazil international has continued to struggle for form this season after an underwhelming campaign last year. Having scored eight goals and provided as many assists in 36 games last term, Jesus is yet to find the back of the net this season.
As a result, his minutes have been limited, having started just one Premier League game and coming on off the bench in five. There is a chance that next summer, with just two years left on his deal, that Arsenal will look to sign another forward after missing out on a Benjamin Sesko.