The match was due to see international teammates William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate come up against each other. However, in what is a bow to Arsenal, Saliba’s red card against Bournemouth means that he will be forced to watch from the sidelines as he serves his automatic one-match suspension.
Why Mikel Arteta won't need one-to-one with William Saliba despite Arsenal star's difficult spell
Saliba and Konate played alongside each other in France’s Nations League clashes against Israel and Belgium just over a week ago. Their partnership reignited the debate between Arsenal and Liverpool fans as to who the better defender is.
Saliba’s suspension means that they will have to wait until later in the season to face each other in the Premier League in the current campaign. But the duo were in Champions League action this week, Saliba helped Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk while Konate played the full 90 minutes of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Red Bull Leipzig.
Another English team in action in Europe’s elite competition this week was Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s men came out as 2-0 winners over Bologna to claim their place at the top of the league.
The game also saw the return of midfielder Boubacar Kamara from long-term injury. Saliba was among those to show their happiness for his France teammate.
After his substitute appearance, Kamara took to Instagram and wrote: “Feel good to be back.” Saliba replied with four heart eyes emojis.
Arsenal's William Saliba was among those to reply to Boubacar Kamara's post.
Arsenal's William Saliba was among those to reply to Boubacar Kamara's post.
Why Mikel Arteta won't need one-to-one with William Saliba despite Arsenal star's difficult spell
Konate was also among the replies, the Liverpool man writing: “HE IS BACKKK” with a heart eye emoji.”
Kamara’s return to action is a big boost for Villa, who are fighting with Arsenal towards the top of the table. Emery’s side are in fourth place, on the same points as the Gunners.
Villa will in fact have a chance to leapfrog Arsenal in the table for a few hours as they take on Bournemouth at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners meanwhile are in action against Liverpool just over 24 hours later with kick-off against Liverpool at 4.30pm on Sunday.
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