Liverpool travels to face Arsenal in the Premier League later today and Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update heading into the important clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that three players will be unavailable for his side’s upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool. The match, set to take place on Sunday, holds significant importance as it could have a major impact on the title race even with four months still to go.
One of the setbacks for Arteta’s side is the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey, who had been expected to make his long-awaited comeback soon. However, a recent setback has ruled him out of the squad.
Arteta expressed concern over Partey’s condition, stating: “It’s a big concern because he’s such an important player for us… Now it’s been a long time without him and he gives us something very different that no other player can give us in the squad. He’s been a real miss.”
On a positive note, Gabriel Jesus is available for selection despite concerns over his knee injury. Arteta confirmed that Jesus had trained with the team throughout the week and is ready to feature in the game.
Two other players, Fábio Vieira and Jurriën Timber, are long-term absentees and will not be available for the Liverpool match. Timber is not expected to return until close to the end of the season, while Vieira may make his comeback later this month.
Arteta provided an update on Vieira’s progress, saying: “He’s doing well again. But he needs to keep working. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we can have him [available again].”
Despite these absences, Arsenal will be determined to secure a positive result against Liverpool and remain in contention for the Premier League title. Only a few weeks ago, the Gunners lost 2-0 to the Reds on the same ground in the FA Cup.
According to Liverpool.com: Regardless of who is available, it should be a really good game at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal probably needs to win if it is to be convincing in its pursuit of the title, while Liverpool has been in great form and should be confident of at least a draw. A tie would be in Manchester City’s best interests, but it wouldn’t be a bad result for the Reds to return to Merseyside with.
