Mikel Arteta has given an injury update on Bukayo Saka after he left the field with a limp and was substituted during Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Manchester City.
Saka was unsure if he would be fit for the important match between the two Premier League title contenders but was given a starting position as both teams earned a point to keep Liverpool at the top.
The 22-year-old, who withdrew from England’s squad for recent friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium, played 78 minutes before being substituted.
Saka was substituted for Gabriel Martinelli after falling and grabbing his leg in the second half but Arteta confirms he is fine and was only struggling with tiredness.
‘Nothing serious,’ the Arsenal manager said after the game. ‘As you know, he has been out for a few weeks now with a minor issue.
‘He was feeling the fatigue. He only practiced one day before the match. He had a significant contribution but it was a lot, 90 minutes for him today.’
Meanwhile, Arteta believes that nothing has changed regarding the title race, despite Liverpool moving to the top of the league with a 2-1 win over Brighton.
‘Nothing changes,’ he added. ‘We wanted to win but we didn’t, we know the Liverpool result but we need to just carry on. There’s a lot still to play for.’
Arteta feels his side have taken a big step having lost 4-1 at the Etihad last season as he said: ‘Coming to these big places not a lot of teams have done what we have done today.
‘Especially when there is a lot at stake and the pressure elevates. To respond to it is another step.’
