Original: Arsenal expert names who he expects to replace injured Saka vs Liverpool Which mentions Madueke or Nwaneri as potential replacements.

Arsenal reporter Charles Watts has shared his thoughts on how Mikel Arteta might set up his team for this weekend’s away clash against Liverpool.

With the Gunners heading into a tough fixture at Anfield on Sunday, their challenge has become even steeper as Bukayo Saka appears set to miss out. The winger was forced off during Arsenal’s win over Leeds, and Watts, writing in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, suggested Saka is likely to be sidelined for up to a month.

Replacing a player as influential as Saka won’t be straightforward, but Watts believes that summer signing Noni Madueke could get the nod to start.

Madueke, who arrived from Chelsea and is capable of operating on both wings, seems like a natural option to step in on the right flank in Saka’s absence. While Ethan Nwaneri is another possibility for that role, Watts thinks it’s more likely the teenager would be used centrally, potentially covering for Martin Odegaard if the captain is also ruled out.

Watts explained that both Saka and Odegaard’s injuries initially caused major concern at the club, but early scan results brought some relief. Neither injury was as serious as first feared.

“Saka will definitely miss the Liverpool game and is not expected to be available for England’s international fixtures,” said Watts.

He added that, with hamstring injuries, a three-to-four-week recovery timeline is seen as a positive outcome, especially given Saka’s desire to avoid another long layoff.

“I expect Noni Madueke to start on the right at Anfield—it’s a big opportunity for him,” Watts said. “His arrival sparked a lot of discussion, with many questioning both the signing and the fee. What better way to prove himself than by delivering in a high-profile match?”

As for Odegaard’s availability, that remains uncertain. If he’s unavailable, Watts mentioned that giving Eberechi Eze a first start would be exciting, but also pointed out that Nwaneri remains a contender for the central role—something that would signal significant trust from Arteta in the young talent.