Arsenal could be facing a potential issue when it comes to the fitness of Bukayo Saka ahead of their crunch match with Liverpool in the Premier League.
The star suffered with a sore hamstring during Arsenal’s win over Leeds, pulling up during the game and coming off before the end.
There has been some indication of it not being too serious, as reports suggest that Saka’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared.
That said, with the quick turnaround in the Premier League fixture list, there may be no guarantee as to his availability for the coming week.
So, with that said, here’s a look at three options for Mikel Arteta to replace Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesArsenal’s options to replace Bukayo Saka against Liverpool after injuryNoni Madueke moves to the right flank
One of the obvious candidates to replace Saka is Noni Madueke, who signed from Chelsea earlier this summer.
The England international made his full debut for the Gunners against Leeds over the weekend, but started on the left.
Eventually replacing Saka on the right, Madueke looked much more comfortable on that side in the brief stint he played there.
Over his career so far, the 23-year-old has featured on the right 157 times with 46 goals and 28 assists to his name.
Eberechi Eze could be handed Arsenal debut opportunity
It would be a bit of a surprise, but Eberechi Eze’s debut for Arsenal could come on the right flank against Liverpool.
It seems an unlikely option, as he has only played a handful of games out there in his career so far.
However, the quality of Eze could force him into the team sooner rather than later and a place on the right could unlock something new from him.
The chances are that he would start on the left or as the attacking midfield role instead, but it remains to be seen.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesEthan Nwaneri may be handed first-team return chance
Ethan Nwaneri deputised for Saka most of last season, when the winger had suffered injuries, showing plenty of impressive ability on the right.
While he may be viewed as more of an attacking midfielder in the future, playing the role on the right may well give him a chance to get back into the team.
Plenty of ability was shown during that stint out wide, including a signature shot where he cut inside with his left and found the back of the net.
While it’s a big occasion to step into, the youngster seems to be built for them already.