3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Arsenal host Shakhtar Donetsk this evening in their third game of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

The Gunners fell to their first defeat of the season in their last outing, losing 2-0 at Bournemouth after being reduced to ten men. Last time out in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta's side put on a great performance to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Emirates with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka scoring for Arsenal.

With Arsenal currently sat in 13th place in the table and in search of their second league phase win, there are three talking points ahead of this continental contest.

1. Bukayo Saka return unlikely

Bukayo Saka was absent from the defeat at Bournemouth having picked up an injury while on international duty with England. Questions have now arose over when he will return to the side.

When asked about the winger's fitness in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta revealed that they would see how he is after yesterday's training session. Any positivity surrounding that was eradicated however when it was reported that Saka was absent from the session.

While he could have been completing individual training or just doing some indoor work, this is worrying and makes it seem unlikely he will return in time to face Shakhtar Donetsk. This is likely good news considering it allows him some extra rest ahead of this weekend's crucial clash with Liverpool.

In the meantime, Raheem Sterling could cover for the star winger having done so against the Cherries. He was substituted in the first half following William Saliba's red card so will be eager for another chance to impress. Saka's presence also should not be too missed as Shakhtar are not the best opposition.

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