INTERESTING; INJURY UPDATE AND A TIME CALL GAME

Will Bukayo Saka play for Arsenal vs. Brighton? Will Manchester United be at a severe disadvantage against Liverpool? And which players are already ruled out for Manchester City?

Bukayo Saka a game-time call for Arsenal vs. Brighton

Mikel Arteta told reporters on Friday that he and Arsenal will know the status of injured right winger Bukayo Saka for Saturday’s big match against Brighton by the end of the day’s training session.

Saka is one of the favorites to win the Premier League Player of the Season award, with the Gunners once again challenging Manchester City – and also current leaders Liverpool – for the league title.

The 22-year-old was wisely held out of Arsenal’s most recent 2-0 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League, as the Gunners knew they could handle the newly-promoted strugglers with ease, even without their 13-goal and 8-assist forward.

Manchester United have more CB injuries

Manchester United have their own big Premier League match to prepare for this weekend, because after being shocked in a 4-3 loss to a Cole Palmer-led Chelsea at mid-week, the Red Devils must face an even tougher opponent in rivals and league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

The task could get even harder for Erik ten Hag and his men, because Raphaël Varane went down injured and then not long after, his substitute, Jonny Evans, suffered an injury.

If neither Varane nor Evans can recover by Sunday, Manchester United could be faced with Harry Maguire as their only experienced starter in central defense against a high-flying Liverpool attack that is one of the best in Europe when clicking.

United already do not have Lisandro Martínez or Victor Lindelöf available, and potential center back replacement Luke Shaw also remains out. With Casemiro struggling to be fit, too, United could be up against it defensively when facing the Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Mohamed Salah front line.

Pep Guardiola rules out Kyle Walker, Nathan Aké

Kyle Walker has been out with an injury since the international break, while fellow center back Nathan Aké suffered a recent injury in the tough Premier League title battle with regular challengers Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of City’s match against Crystal Palace on Saturday and informed reporters that neither Aké nor Walker will be available to play.

Injured star goalkeeper Ederson could be in the squad, but Guardiola said that he has already ruled out these two defenders, giving Palace’s sporadic attack a potential opening to hurt the Citizens on the counter.