Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eberechi Eze could be used in Martin Odegaard’s role when the Gunners face Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League fixture at Anfield.
Eze, unveiled to supporters before Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Leeds United on matchday two, may step in after Odegaard suffered a shoulder problem during the game.
“We have options in that position and that’s the good thing we have this year,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “Let’s see [on Odegaard]. Another day. I’m not going to give you any more clues.”
On Eze’s versatility, he added: “We have a lot of players who can play in different positions and fill gaps. That is going to be very necessary, so very happy to have the ability to do that.”
Arteta also confirmed Bukayo Saka will miss “a couple of weeks” after sustaining another hamstring injury during the win over Leeds. The 23-year-old previously underwent surgery on his right hamstring last December but this latest setback affects his left leg.
“He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks,” Arteta said. “But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match.”
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz will undergo minor knee surgery, although he is not expected to face a lengthy absence. Arsenal are also without Odegaard, Christian Norgaard, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus.
On the other hand, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reported no major injury concerns for his side. Right-back Conor Bradley is available, while Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training. “Mac Allister has started training again. Virgil is also OK,” Slot said.
Both teams have won their opening two matches of the season, with Sunday’s meeting set to provide an early test in the title race. Kick-off at Anfield is 4:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
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