Mikel Arteta confirms injured Arsenal star could make comeback against Liverpool
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that one injured Arsenal player is in contention to return against Liverpool on Sunday.
With the exception of Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both of whom have suffered season-ending injuries, the Gunners have a relatively clean bill of health as they prepare for an acid test of their title-winning credentials.
The Gunners haven’t won at Anfield since 2012, when Arteta was still an important part of Arsene Wenger’s midfield, and their chances of reversing that trend may depend on William Saliba’s fitness.
The France international has missed the last two games after injuring his back in last month’s Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon.
Saliba has been unable to train due to a back injury, which has allowed Rob Holding to step up, but Arteta was hopeful the 22-year-old would play during the run-in.
Eddie Nketiah is also nearing full fitness after recovering from an ankle injury, but Arteta refused to reveal the identity of the player who has a chance to play at Anfield.
‘We have some hope with one of them, maybe he’ll be able to train tomorrow,’ he said during his pre-match press conference.
When asked to clarify who he was referring to, Arteta replied, “We’ll have to see.” I’m not going to say anything! [who].’
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka was only fit enough to start on the bench against Leeds United last weekend, but Arteta confirmed the in-form winger has recovered fully from illness and is in contention to start.
