Arsenal is bracing for a challenging match against Liverpool this weekend as Mikel Arteta contends with a mounting injury crisis. The Gunners’ woes began during the recent international break, where they lost captain Martin Ødegaard to a significant ankle injury.
Bukayo Saka, who was forced to leave England’s match against Greece, also missed last Saturday’s disappointing defeat to Bournemouth and Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arteta confirmed on Tuesday that Saka is still sidelined and “unlikely” to feature against Liverpool, while Ødegaard’s recovery timeline points towards a November return.
The situation worsens defensively with William Saliba suspended for the next three matches following a straight red card received at Bournemouth.
Riccardo Calafiori, who would have been a prime candidate to replace Saliba, is now a doubt himself after sustaining a knee issue during the match against Shakhtar. Arteta lamented the news, stating the situation is “not great.”
Calafiori has recently filled in at left-back, and his potential absence could be a severe blow, especially with doubts surrounding Jurrien Timber’s availability. Timber has been impressive this season, playing effectively in both full-back positions, but has not featured since the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Additionally, concerns arose for Ben White after he was substituted at halftime against Shakhtar, but Arteta later confirmed the decision was tactical rather than due to injury. With injuries to Calafiori and Timber, Arsenal faces significant challenges at left-back, particularly with Oleksandr Zinchenko just returning from his own injury woes.
Lewis Skelly was called upon to replace Calafiori against Shakhtar, and Arteta may consider other options like Jakub Kiwior, who struggled after coming on at Bournemouth.
Potential Arsenal Lineup Against Liverpool:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Starting XI: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Jorginho, Merino; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli.
Meanwhile, Liverpool also faces injury challenges as they prepare for their Champions League match against RB Leipzig. The Reds will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, sidelined until late November due to a hamstring injury. Diogo Jota is another concern after leaving the match against Chelsea with bruising from a collision.
Jota did not travel with the squad to Germany and will be assessed in the days leading up to the trip to North London, which may see Darwin Núñez leading the line again in his absence.
Potential Liverpool Lineup Against Arsenal:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Starting XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Díaz; Núñez.
Match Details:
- Kick-off Time: 4:30 PM on Sunday, October 27.
- Where to Watch: Live coverage available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options on Sky Go and NOW TV for subscribers.
As both teams deal with key player absences, the match promises to be a crucial encounter in the Premier League landscape.