Gary Neville picks his Saka replacement on the Arsenal team for the Liverpool game

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·25. August 2025

Gary Neville picks his Saka replacement on the Arsenal team for the Liverpool game

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka for their upcoming clash against Liverpool at the weekend, a significant blow as they prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of the season. The winger was forced off during the victory over Leeds United after sustaining an injury, and although he had already scored in that match, his fitness could not be risked, leading to an early substitution.

Saka is regarded as one of Arsenal’s most influential players and rarely misses a game when fit. His consistent performances, creativity and goalscoring ability have made him indispensable under Mikel Arteta. Losing him ahead of a meeting with the defending champions is far from ideal, particularly as Liverpool remains one of the key rivals Arsenal must overcome in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

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Madueke Expected to Step In

Despite Saka’s absence, Arsenal still have options to call upon. According to Sky Sports, Gary Neville believes Noni Madueke will be the player to fill the gap on the right-hand side. Offering his thoughts on the Gunners’ likely starting line-up, the former England right-back said: “For me, Eze is going to come in on that left-hand side and I think [Viktor] Gyokeres is going to play up front. I actually thought the minute that Saka went off and Madueke went to the right-hand side that all of a sudden he [Madueke] looked at home.”

Madueke’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, and his ability to play on either flank gives Arteta flexibility in reshaping the attack. While Saka’s absence will certainly be felt, Madueke has the qualities to provide direct running, pace and unpredictability, which could prove crucial against Liverpool’s defence.

Noni Madueke (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Test Before the Break

The timing of the injury adds extra difficulty, as the Liverpool match is Arsenal’s final major test before the international break. Having a full-strength squad would have been ideal, yet the situation underlines the importance of the depth Arsenal have built in recent windows. With Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres all available, Arteta still has attacking options to call upon.

While the absence of Saka is a setback, Arsenal will take confidence from their strengthened squad and the variety of attacking talent now at their disposal. Supporters will hope that Saka’s recovery is swift, but in the meantime, the focus will turn to whether Madueke can seize his chance and make an impact in one of the season’s defining fixtures.

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