We’ll be bringing you all the latest squad news and injury updates ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup third round clash against Liverpool.
Arsenal face Premier League leaders Liverpool in one of the most competitive FA Cup third round fixtures on Sunday afternoon.
It could be argued that both clubs are chasing a double this season, perhaps even more so given their positions in Europe, but they are currently going in a different direction as Arsenal hope to bounce back from this season. One last tough guy spell. The visitors will want to keep the momentum going.
The hosts are winless in their last three games, including a draw at Anfield and disappointing losses to West Ham United and Fulham. Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, will have six players ruled out due to injury or international commitments. He will be looking to lead the Gunners to their first win since beating Brighton & Hove Albion on December 17.
Liverpool have not lost a major game since the end of September and have lost twice in the Europa League since then. In both games, Jurgen Klopp made the most of the opportunity to rest big names and rotate his squad.
It will be interesting to see if he sees the FA Cup as another opportunity to give key players a break. But they looked fresh enough in Monday’s brutal demolition of Newcastle United.
Either way, the Reds will have to be without at least eight players.We’ve rounded up all the latest team news and injury updates below, as well as the pitfalls of the starting XI ahead of one of the most exciting games of the weekend.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal are missing two players from major international tournaments mid-season. Mohamed Elneny will play in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, while defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will join Japan’s squad for next week’s Asian Cup and continue until mid-season february.
Thomas Partey, who has been struggling with injuries for several months, has been ruled unfit for selection for the Ghana national team and will remain in London but is not expected to return until next month.
Elsewhere, we await an update on Oliksandr Zinchenko, who missed the game against Fulham with an ankle injury. It is not believed to be a serious injury, but Arteta did not give further details after telling reporters that the Ukraine defender would undergo scans earlier this week.
Fabio Vieira (groin), who has not played since the win over Burnley last November but is likely to return against Crystal Palace in Arsenal’s next league game, and Jurien Timber (cruciate ligament), who is out on the absentee list. That’s what I expect.
I watched it again this season. Bukayo Saka, who is struggling with an Achilles injury, could be rested and the cup tie could be seen as an opportunity to give Aaron Ramsdale time between the posts.
