Bukayo Saka out for weeks as Arsenal face Liverpool without key duo

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka for several weeks due to a quad injury, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Liverpool after a slight issue. William Saliba has returned to individual grass work, and Christos Tzolis is nearing a comeback.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Arsenal, Sunday 1 November
  • Saka status: Quad injury, out for weeks, likely December return
  • Calafiori status: Slight issue, doubt for Liverpool
  • Saliba status: Back in individual work, December target
  • Last result: Arsenal 2-0 Everton

Injury and availability

Bukayo Saka suffered a quad injury against Bayern Munich and is expected to be out for weeks. Mikel Arteta confirmed fluid is obscuring the scan picture and a return in December, potentially for the home game against Manchester United on 20 December, is the current expectation.

Riccardo Calafiori was left out of the starting line-up against Everton despite starting the previous seven Premier League matches. He came on but spent stoppage time up front before heading down the tunnel, signalling a slight issue. Arteta said it seems “something very small” but Calafiori is a doubt for Liverpool away on 1 November.

William Saliba has not played this season due to a back injury aggravated while away with France at the World Cup finals. He has returned to individual work on the grass and will have another MRI next week. A December return remains the most realistic outcome.

Christos Tzolis picked up a hamstring injury in Greece's 2-2 Nations League draw against the Netherlands. The initial three-week timeframe has passed, putting him in contention for the Carabao Cup game against Fleetwood Town and, if all goes well, the trip to Liverpool.

Piero Hincapie has already returned to the matchday squad after an ankle problem, earlier than expected.

What was said

"We have to wait. It will be weeks. I think in a week or ten days we're going to have another scan because there's so much fluid at the moment. So the picture is not that clear to give you an exact amount of time. But it looks like it's going to be weeks."

— Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka's quad injury

"Yeah I wasn't that mad to change those two from their positions. It was because he had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."

— Mikel Arteta on Riccardo Calafiori

"Next week, we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment. Every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him."

— Mikel Arteta on William Saliba

"Tzolis has a muscle injury, and he's going to be out for a few weeks. He's not available yet."

— Mikel Arteta on Christos Tzolis

Arteta's comments on Saka reveal genuine uncertainty: the fluid around the quad means no firm return date can be set. The Calafiori update is more encouraging but still leaves a question mark over his availability for Liverpool. Saliba's progress is measured and sensible, while Tzolis is close to a return.

Why Arsenal's right side is the real concern against Liverpool

Without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal lose their most reliable source of ball progression and end product. Arteta must patch together the right flank, likely relying on Noni Madueke or another option to absorb the creative burden. The absence of Saka also affects the team's ability to stretch defences, which is crucial against a Liverpool side that presses high.

Riccardo Calafiori's potential absence would further unbalance the defence. He has become important quickly, and if he is unavailable or short of sharpness, the left side loses its attacking thrust. Piero Hincapie's early return provides a useful body, but he may not be fully match-fit.

William Saliba's return cannot come soon enough, but Arsenal will be cautious. His back injury requires careful loading, and rushing him back could risk further damage. A December return seems sensible, but in the meantime, the defence must cope without him.

Talking points

  • Arsenal have coped without Saliba so far, but Liverpool away is a different test. Can the makeshift defence hold up?
  • Is Arteta risking Calafiori by playing him against Liverpool if he's not fully fit? The alternative is to start Hincapie.
  • Saka's absence puts more pressure on the midfield to create. Will Arteta change the system to compensate?
  • Tzolis's return could be a timely boost, but is he ready for a game of this magnitude?

What happens next

Arsenal face Liverpool away on Sunday 1 November in the Premier League. Before that, they play Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, a game that could see Tzolis and Hincapie feature. The result at Anfield will have significant implications for Arsenal's title challenge, especially with key players missing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bukayo Saka playing against Liverpool?

No, Saka is out for weeks with a quad injury and will not feature against Liverpool.

Will Riccardo Calafiori be fit for Liverpool?

Calafiori is a doubt after a slight issue, but the trip to Liverpool remains the working target for his return.

When will William Saliba return for Arsenal?

Saliba is back in individual training and a December return is the most realistic outcome.

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