Arsenal have been open about their injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, though recent photos suggest that both Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber may still play a role.
Mikel Arteta’s public hints that the pair, alongside Riccardo Calafiori, were unlikely to feature, pictures surfaced on social media Saturday evening showing Saka and Timber at the team hotel, dressed in full club attire. This surprise sighting adds a new layer of intrigue to what could be a tactical play from Arteta, known for keeping opponents guessing.
Arteta, having spent years under Pep Guardiola—one of football’s most strategic minds—is no stranger to subtle game-day misdirection. Over the years, Arteta has become known for sidestepping questions about player availability, a tactic that has led to frustration among rival managers. Recent reports have suggested that some Premier League teams now pay little attention to the Arsenal manager’s injury updates, viewing them as part of a wider strategy to unsettle opponents. This reputation for last-minute surprises may have Liverpool preparing for any lineup scenario, as Arteta’s words and actions don’t always align.
Discussing Saka’s recovery process, Arteta noted that the winger had managed “some training on the grass” and would be assessed up until match day. He added, “We have another day, which is a good thing,” leaving open the slim chance of Saka’s availability. However, the unexpected images of Saka and Timber with the squad strongly hint that Arteta’s comments about their fitness were meant to fuel speculation. If the photo was indeed taken on the eve of the game, it would mean that both players were part of Saturday’s training session at the Emirates, a possible sign they are preparing for at least some involvement on Sunday.
Carefully edited photo releases from Arsenal also add to the suspense, as the images gave nothing away about either player’s participation. This calculated approach keeps Liverpool—and by extension, their manager Arne Slot—in a guessing game over the starting lineup. While it’s not unusual for injured players to travel with their teams even if they’re not selected, the circumstances surrounding Saka and Timber’s presence suggest Arteta could be pulling the strings to add pressure on Liverpool’s preparations.
Notably, Arteta has made these mind games a recurring theme, with some Premier League coaching staff reportedly admitting they no longer pay much attention to Arsenal’s pre-match injury news. This tendency to keep injuries vague ensures opponents have to plan for multiple scenarios. While this tactic can be frustrating for opponents, it demonstrates Arteta’s commitment to leveraging every possible advantage. For Arteta, ambiguity isn’t just a side effect of an evolving squad; it’s a tool for creating uncertainty and forcing rival teams to spread their focus thinly.
With Liverpool on the horizon, the anticipation is mounting. Whether or not Saka and Timber make the final 20-man squad, Arteta has already succeeded in drawing attention to Arsenal’s lineup uncertainties. Slot will likely be prepared for any outcome, but the possibility of facing an Arsenal side with both Saka and Timber will undoubtedly weigh into his tactics. The emphasis on game-day suspense leaves fans, pundits, and Liverpool’s strategists alike wondering just how fit Arsenal’s squad truly is.
Surprise, surprise! ‘Injured’ Arsenal duo spotted with squad on eve of Liverpool visitIf either Saka or Timber features in the starting eleven, it would be yet another instance of Arteta’s flair for game-day reveals. The Arsenal manager’s approach disrupts traditional preparation methods, challenging coaches and analysts to keep up with his misdirection. Whether calculated mind games or genuine injury concern, Arteta’s approach will keep all eyes on his team sheet until kickoff.
Arsenal’s potential starting lineup for Sunday might look like this: Raya; Timber, White, Gabriel, Kiwior; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
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