Arsenal provide Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe injury updates for Liverpool

Arsenal have provided the latest injury news on Bukayo Saka ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit of Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

Having felt a tightness in his hamstring during the first half of the 2-1 comeback win in the north London derby, Bukayo Saka was withdrawn at half-time over fears of a long-term absence.

The 19-year-old was then left out of the squad who lost 1-0 to Olympiacos but progressed 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa League following the Sp*rs clash. To much surprise, Saka was back in the starting lineup to face West Ham that weekend, playing 74 minutes.

Called up by Gareth Southgate to the England national squad to face San Marino, Albania and Poland in World Cup qualifiers, Saka was left out of the opener to recover at London Colney but instead remained at Arsenal for the entirety of the international break to recover from his issue.

Arsenal provide crucial Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe injury updates ahead of  Liverpool clash

It begs the question whether it was worth risking him at all for the West Ham game when he evidently wasn’t fully fit. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Mikel Arteta provided the latest on the forward:

"“He’s feeling better, but hasn’t trained with the team yet,” were Arteta’s short words, although he added there were no ‘major concerns’ from the international break."

As for Emile Smith Rowe, the 20-year-old started both of England Under-21’s European Championship group stage matches, picking up an injury in the latter that ruled him out of the final fixture.

The Three Lions will miss out on playing in the knockout stages during the summer, meaning Smith Rowe will earn a rest during that period, however disappointing that may be. As for his injury, Arteta revealed the extent of it:

"“He had some discomfort in his hip, and that’s why they [England] decided to keep him out,” Arteta added. “I don’t know we will see today how he recovers, speak to the doctors and the physios and see if he’s available for training tomorrow.”"

If not fit to feature against Liverpool, Willian or Gabriel Martinelli could slot in on the left side of the front three, much like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can do likewise with Martin Odegaard in the hole.

With Europa League on the horizon, both English stars must be monitored accordingly. No more foolish risks.