Gary Neville’s right – Liverpool have just been handed huge advantage for Arsenal clash
Liverpool are set for their first big Premier League title clash when they take on Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday.
The Reds have already faced the Gunners in one regard this summer, when they beat Arsenal to the signing of young striker Will Wright.
But next week will mark the first meeting on the pitch this season between the sides that finished first and second in the Premier League.
Arsenal beat Leeds United 5-0 on Sunday, despite concern emerging before the game about Jarred Gillet’s ties to Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka injury hands Liverpool boost ahead of Arsenal visit
Saturday marked a joyous occasion for Arsenal, with the arrival of new £68million signing Eberechi Eze confirmed.
The England international was presented to the fans ahead of the match, before the Gunners crushed their visitors.
Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres both scored two goals, with Bukayo Saka adding another in the first half.
The winger could not finish the game, however, after pulling up and going down following a sprint.
Saka was substituted and hobbled off the pitch, appearing to be holding his hamstring.
| Premier League 2025/26 | Games played | Points |
| 1. Arsenal | 2 | 6 |
| 2. Tottenham | 2 | 6 |
| 3. Chelsea | 2 | 4 |
| 4. Liverpool | 1 | 3 |
Live on Sky Sports, co-commentator Gary Neville expressed his concern over the injury and mentioned the potential absence of the Arsenal man for next week’s meeting with Liverpool.
He said: “That doesn’t look good. Reading his lips, he says ‘Oh my God.'”
Mikel Arteta was asked about the incident after the game and confirmed that Saka had felt something in his hamstring, and that the severity of the injury is not yet clear.
Even the lightest of hamstring strains tend to require at least a week of recovery, however, so it can be expected that the England international will not be fit for the trip to Anfield.
Bukayo Saka a massive loss for Arsenal
Liverpool fans will not be celebrating the injury to Saka, but they can be forgiven for enjoying the prospect of facing an Arsenal team without the winger.
Saka is among the Premier League, and Europe’s, most dangerous forwards, and Noni Madueke is unlikely to provide the same threat down the right for the Gunners.
Nevertheless, Arne Slot will know, more than anyone, that nothing can be taken for granted, and Arsenal will provide a difficult task, even without their star man.
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