The Reds will be looking to make an early statement in the title race when the two teams face off in a top of the table clash. Jurgen Klopp’s side are a point behind the Gunners and will aim to use their formidable home form at Anfield to their advantage.
A draw in this fixture last season proved costly to Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy. The Gunners still have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic, given their start to the campaign. However, Mikel Arteta is set to be without a handful of players as Arsenal as the club travel to Merseyside.
Here’s a closer look at Arsenal’s injury list:
The Gunners’ midfield has been impacted by injury problems in recent weeks but Jorginho is making progress in his recovery from a foot injury. In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that the Italy international is “still a doubt” to face Liverpool, having missed Arsenal’s win over Brighton last weekend.
Mohamed Elneny is another midfielder that is close to making a full recovery from a hamstring issue . The Egypt international was previously a long-term absentee and suffered a fresh setback against PSV in the Champions League. Elneny returned to full training on Friday but the game with Liverpool will likely come too soon for the 31-year-old.
Meanwhile, both Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira are not expected to be fit until after the New Year. Arteta confirmed on Friday that Partey is “still finalising his rehab” after undergoing an operation on a thigh injury. Vieira is also recovering from groin surgery and will hope to begin making his comeback next month.
Arsenal also remain without two key players in defence. Takehiro Tomiyasu is absent with a calf problem and is not expected to be back in contention until February. Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL injury in the first half of his Premier League debut in August. The versatile defender could potentially return in time for the final stages of the season.
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