FOOTBALL

Which title contender is in best shape after Premier League break?

‘Convenient’ knocks allowed some Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City stars to rest up while others suffered new injuries. Times writers check the pulse of the three teams
Robertson was forced off with an injury during Scotland’s friendly against Northern Ireland
Robertson was forced off with an injury during Scotland’s friendly against Northern Ireland
STU FORSTER/GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal have been assessing Bukayo Saka after one of their prize assets suffered a minor muscle injury and withdrew from England duty as a precaution. There is quiet confidence at the club, though, that their top scorer this season will bounce back soon, as he has done after other recent knocks. The 22-year-old has missed only one Premier League match — the 1-0 home win against Manchester City in October. The importance of the winger being fully fit was underlined when he was involved in eight goals after returning from the club’s winter break. Saka has 13 league goals and eight assists. No other Arsenal player has more than eight league goals this season.

When Arsenal play away to City on Sunday, Saka could line