Arsenal face one of their biggest tests of the season this weekend as they head to Anfield for a major Premier League clash against Liverpool. The Gunners can restore their eight-point lead at the top of the table with a rare win in Merseyside after title rivals Manchester City beat Southampton 4-1 on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta appears to be facing a number of important team selection decisions for the fixture with seven first-team attackers vying for starting spots. Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka were the trio named on the bench, but given the latter's importance this season an immediate recall is expected.
At the opposite end of the pitch, William Saliba is a major doubt for Sunday's game after being subbed off with a back injury against Sporting CP. With a full week to prepare after the game against , Arteta has been using his time valuably at London Colney and with that said, here's a look at things that were spotted from the session.
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Saka pain
Bukayo Saka was a worrying absentee from Arsenal's starting XI last weekend with illness, but Mikel Arteta has confirmed he is available for Liverpool.
The 22-year-old was pictured in training mostly smiling but there was a particular photo where pain seems to be the dominant emotion. With gritted teeth, Saka placed both hands on his head likely after missing a chance in training.
13 goals from Saka for Arsenal this season likely means he wants to score at every opportunity and that desire even transcends into training.
Saliba decision hint
Rob Holding has filled in for the injured William Saliba at Arsenal following the latter's back injury and that looks set to continue this weekend. In the latest set of training pictures, released on Saturday, there was no sign of Saliba, but Holding was captured in several key moments.
The Gunners are yet to really notice not having Saliba alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, but it is very possible his absence will become clear against Liverpool.
At Anfield, Liverpool press the life out of their visitors and no Saliba limits Arsenal's ability to play out from the back which could see pressure arrive unnecessarily on the Aaron Ramsdale's goal.
Nelson's bond with Arteta
"And Reiss...", was Arteta's answer when informed he has five in-form attackers during his pre-Liverpool press conference. The question was certainly referencing Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but Nelson has also played a crucial recent role in the Gunners' victories.
The 3-2 last-gasp victory against Bournemouth that was inspired by Nelson has given Arsenal a further platform to go on and push for the title and the 23-year-old could yet have more of an impact. In a training picture, Nelson was spotted stood next to Arteta listening intently to his instructions.
Jesus precision
Gabriel Jesus was able to show off his goal scoring pedigree against Leeds with a lightening brace, but his passing abilities also played a key role in Arsenal's success. For much of the 2022/23 season, prior to his injury, the Brazilian drifted out to the left and provided a number of assists for his teammates.
In training ahead of Liverpool, Jesus was snapped delivering one of his trademark precise passes after halting a determined run. His ball looks to be just missing the outstretched foot of an Arsenal defender likely perfectly timed for an oncoming runner.
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