Football
Surprise, surprise! ‘Injured’ Arsenal duo spotted with squad on eve of Liverpool visit
Arsenal have talked up their injury concerns heading into Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, but Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were both pictured at their team hotel on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta is no stranger to mind Games, he worked under a manager who thrived on keeping everyone guessing in Pep Guardiola.
And in the buildup to Liverpool’s visit, he kept the cameras away from the likes of Saka and Timber as he publicly declared the duo, plus Riccardo Calafiori, were “very uncertain” to play.
“Saka’s done a bit of training on the grass. How far we can get him before Sunday is another question. We have another day, which is a good thing,” the Arsenal manager said.
On Saturday, though, images were published on X that showed Saka and Timber in their club tracksuits with the rest of the team at their hotel.
? Bukayo Saka & Jurrien Timber SPOTTED with the Arsenal squad at the team hotel tonight. ?
? @Lukascummins199 pic.twitter.com/ps8KxQ5dIV
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 26, 2024
If the image was taken on the eve of the clash, as advertised, it indicates that the duo were part of the squad that trained at the Emirates ahead of Liverpool’s visit.
The photo gallery from that particular session also did well to not offer a hint at Saka or Timber’s involvement – no surprises there!
There have been previous instances of players Travelling with the squad and not making the final 20-man squad, but this has Arteta mind Games written all over it.
According to the Mail, coaching staff at some Premier League sides have said they “no longer pay any attention to the Spaniard’s updates because they have cottoned onto his tricky methods.”
Arne Slot will be paying him little attention, you expect, and preparing for all eventualities, as any good manager would.
He, nor the rest of us, will not be surprised if Saka or Timber are in Arsenal‘s team later on Sunday.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, White, Gabriel, Kiwior; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
-
Football5m ago
Sportscene Panel Give Unanimous Verdict on Celtic Penalty Call vs Motherwell
-
Football5m ago
Adam Idah Takes to Instagram After Repeating Fir Park Antics
-
Football1h ago
What is Rodri’s salary at Manchester City and how long is his contract?
-
Football1h ago
Xavi's hint to Manchester United during Old Trafford storm
-
Football5h ago
Alistair Johnston’s Humble Sunday Evening Celtic Post
-
Football5h ago
“More Than Some Teams” – BBC’s Alistair Johnston Comment Sparks Rangers Jibe
-
Football5h ago
Manchester United working to land Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor, per report
-
Football5h ago
Erik ten Hag sacked as Man United manager: Ruud van Nistelrooy to be interim manager ahead of coaching search