Mikel Arteta speaks out on why he started Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber vs. Liverpool

Mikel Arteta has claimed Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are in "great condition" after naming them in Arsenal's starting lineup to face Liverpool .

The Gunners had a number of injury issues heading into this weekend with Saka, in particular, a major doubt after missing the last two games . Timber had also been left out of Tuesday's Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, Arteta has now spoken out on exactly why both players have been deemed fit enough to play and thrown straight back into the starting XI for Sunday's visit of the Reds.

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Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, the Spaniard said: "They tried so hard to be in the squad, to be in the lineup today, so it's a big plus for us.

"They were already doing it [putting their bodies on the line]. They are playing because they feel good, they ticked every box that we needed them to - because we want to be safe as well. They're two very important players for us, but they're in great condition."

Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, however, was not deemed fit enough to feature, with Timber replacing him at left-back.

William Saliba's suspension sees Ben White moved inside to partner Gabriel at center-back, with midfielder Thomas Partey acting as a makeshift right-back.

As for Liverpool, Arne Slot has made three changes to the side which bear RB Leipzig on Wednesday, with Andrew Robertson, Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz coming in for Kostas Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.