Arsenal news: Bukayo Saka issues fresh injury update as Gunners set to rival Liverpool for England star

Arsenal overcame a massive obstacle as they defeated Newcastleon Sunday, confirming that they are well in contention for the Premier League title. Bukayo Saka was given a nasty wound for his efforts and an Englandteam-mate could soon join him if Wayne Rooney's prediction comes true.

Mikel Arteta's side have struggled during their visits to St. James' Park in recent campaigns but Gabriel's header deep into added time saw them come away 2-1 victors on Sunday. Saka returned to the top-flight starting eleven for the win, and after a valiant outing, he showed off a bloody battle scar post-match.

The title-chasing Gunners began the fixture without centre-back William Saliba, who was introduced at half-time. And Rooney thinks the north London side will look to bolster their defensive ranks by eyeing up Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi. The 25-year-old's deadline day move to Liverpool collapsed, and he is out of contract next summer.

Another Arsenal defender, Jurrien Timber, has been rather bullish about his team's title hopes, as Mirror Football brings you the latest news from the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka sheds light on Newcastle knock

Saka had been sidelined with a hamstring issue since August but he started again in the Premier League against the Magpies. It wasn't his hamstring that was damaged after the 2-1 victory, however, as he spoke post-match and showed off an ankle wound.

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In an interview with Stadium Astro, Jermaine Jenas asked Saka about his bloodied sock, a wound inflicted after some rough play by Newcastle players in the first half. He opened up about the treatment he received, though Saka will be fit to play in the Champions League midweek.

"You can see my ankle! But coming to this ground, you know what to expect, it's going to be a battle," he said, pointing to his ankle. "The best team won today and we got what we deserved.

"There was a point towards the end of the game where I was on the bench and it felt like it was going to be that feeling again; that we played well but something went against us, the penalty decision, but we'd played well. That's why in the changing room we was so happy that we turned it around."

Arsenal tipped to enter Marc Guehi race

England star Guehi seemed all set to become a Liverpool player on deadline day but thanks to Palace's lack of a replacement, his move collapsed. He now has a host of options open to him, including signing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January or moving somewhere else on a free next summer.

While Arne Slot's side will hope to complete a deal for Guehi when his contract expires, Manchester United icon Rooney thinks that the Gunners and their London rivals, Chelsea, will rival Liverpool for his signature.

"I think he [Guehi] is a special player," Rooney said on his . "He's a good size, he's not the tallest but he's good in the air, he can play with both feet, he's aggressive and I think he'll be a real top player over the next few years.

"Will he be at Palace? I really doubt it. I think he'll have options and I think not just in England, in Europe he'll have options. I've just got a feeling that Arsenal and Chelsea might come in and they might try and take Liverpool out of it."

Jurrien Timber bullish about title chances

After Arsenal's win over Newcastle, which now sees them sitting second in the league, just two points behind leaders Liverpool, defender Timber thinks his team has all the attributes and attitude to be champions.

"The belief is there. I think we showed that. The character from this team is amazing and I will never doubt that and hopefully we can keep going like this," he said.

"The season is so long, when you look at the schedule it looks like a tough beginning - it was a tough beginning - but it does not look like it will be easy now. It's going to be tough, the games will still be tough. Last year we dropped points and lost to West Ham at home so next week will not be easy.

"If you want to win the Premier League, you know it's going to be a long season. You have to stay close at the top - and not just close for this week. Next week it's the same thing - and we have to keep going."

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