Liverpool’s last clash against Arsenal at Anfield resulted in one Reds player being taken to hospital with a broken collarbone with Bukayo Saka offering up an apology for his role in the situation.
Bukayo Saka sent six-word message after Liverpool star taken to hospital with broken bone
Konstantinos Tsimikas broke his collarbone the last time Liverpool played host to Arsenal at Anfield – receiving an apology from Bukayo Saka after the game.
The two Premier League giants, who face each other on Sunday afternoon, last clashed at Anfield in December 2023, with the Gunners top of the table and the Reds narrowly behind in second.
It was Mikel Arteta’s side that took the lead through Gabriel Magalhaes within four minutes, but Mohamed Salah levelled the scoring later that half.
However, the home side suffered a cruel blow when Tsimikas was forced off with a shoulder injury after colliding off the pitch with Jurgen Klopp due to being barged by England star Saka.
The Greek international was replaced by Joe Gomez and was immediately sent to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he had suffered a broken collarbone.
Following the game, Saka was made aware of the left-back’s trip to the hospital and offered up an apology when speaking to Sky Sports.
He said: “I heard he has gone to hospital so obviously I want to apologise to him, I didn’t mean it of course. For me it was a 50/50 and I have gone shoulder to shoulder with him.
“I didn’t see it, but he must have taken a bad fall. I didn’t see him go into Jurgen Klopp either. I was focused on running forward because I didn’t think it was a foul. That’s my take on it.”
The Gunners will become the second team this season to perform a guard of honour for the league champions, who are currently 15 points ahead of the north London side.
Should the Gunners finish second this season, they’ll become the first Premier League team to finish runners-up for three consecutive seasons on two different occasions.
Heading into the 2024/25 season, many tipped Manchester City or Arsenal for the title, but it was Arne Slot’s side who rode to victory.
Ahead of the clash, Arsenal talisman Declan Rice extended congratulations to the newly-crowned champions, admitting his side “fell short” in chasing the leaders.
“We’ve obviously seen what they’ve done, massive credit to them, they’ve been the most consistent team throughout the season, performed to a really high standard and ability,” the England midfielder said.
“Cannot knock them, can’t take anything away from them, everyone else fell short and in the end they were probably the strongest team in it.”
