The Premier League title race faces a major twist as Arsenal prepare to welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, with a significant injury crisis threatening to overshadow the blockbuster fixture. The Gunners, currently top of the table, could be without key personnel, while their Merseyside rivals are also grappling with several absences.
Title Showdown Overshadowed by Fitness Concerns
This midweek encounter promises to have huge implications for the championship battle and the fight for Champions League qualification. The last meeting between these sides saw a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick secure a victory for Liverpool, giving manager Arne Slot bragging rights over Mikel Arteta. Since that clash, the trajectories of the two clubs have diverged, setting up a fascinating reunion in North London.
Arsenal have solidified their status as title favourites with a formidable run of form, taking charge at the summit. Liverpool, in contrast, experienced a dip after their win over the Gunners but have rebuilt momentum to stay in contention for a top-four finish. The stage is set for a pivotal contest, but the team sheets will be dictated by a lengthy list of injured and unavailable stars.
Liverpool's Squad Challenges
The Reds face multiple selection headaches. Striker Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt after missing the Fulham match with delayed muscle soreness. Manager Arne Slot provided an update, stating, "He has not trained with us until now... he is in between, maybe training with the team, or it would take him one, two days extra."
Further attacking firepower is missing with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, who have reached the quarter-finals. In midfield, Wataru Endo remains sidelined, having not returned to training since early December, though a comeback is thought to be nearing.
The treatment room also houses striker Alexander Isak, who is facing a spell out with a leg fracture sustained against Tottenham. Defender Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury and will not feature again this season.
Arsenal's Defensive Blow
Mikel Arteta's side have not been spared, particularly in defence. Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury in the warm-up before the Brighton game in late December and remains unavailable. Arteta offered a glimmer of hope, saying, "I think [they will return] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab."
He faces a similar wait for centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who injured his ankle against Brentford in early December. The manager confirmed both defenders will miss the Liverpool match but are closing in on a return. Additionally, young breakout star Max Dowman is still recovering from an ankle injury that has disrupted his impressive season.
Implications for the Premier League Run-In
The absence of these eight potential players adds a layer of unpredictability to a match that could define the season for both clubs. Arsenal will be desperate to defend their lead at the top, while Liverpool's quest for Champions League football hangs in the balance. How managers Arteta and Slot adapt their tactics and line-ups to cope with these significant losses may well decide where the crucial three points end up on Wednesday night.
