LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND — Six players are doubtful for the highly anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The match will see Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face the hosts Liverpool. Both teams have players who are questionable with injuries.
Arsenal’s Injury Concerns
Coming into the match, Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from their heartbreaking loss to Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup. Following a 1-1 tie, the Gunners were defeated 5-3 in overtime by a penalty shootout.
Arsenal still has 21 points, tied with Manchester City for second place in the league. Liverpool is in fourth place with 15 points, six points behind the leader.
Bukayo Saka will not play in this match. He hurt his quadriceps against Bayern Munich. He is likely to be out for six to eight weeks.
William Saliba is also not available. He is recovering from a chronic back condition.
Max Dowman will serve the first game of a three-match suspension. His appeal against his red card at Fleetwood was rejected. He will also miss the upcoming matches against Newcastle United and Hull City.
There is still uncertainty regarding Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Riccardo Calafiori, and Christos Tzolis.
Both Madueke and Rice were unable to play in the Fleetwood match. But they should be ready to go on Sunday barring any additional complications.
Tzolis has a hamstring injury. He may be able to return after sitting out five games. Arteta said Calafiori’s issue is minor.
Liverpool’s Injury Worries
Liverpool are monitoring Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz. Both players have injuries.
Szoboszlai is experiencing pain in his hamstring. Munoz has been nursing a knee problem that began in the Brentford match.
A number of other Liverpool players have already confirmed their absence. These include Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong.
What This Means
The injuries could significantly impact the match. Both teams are missing key players.
Arsenal’s attack will be weakened by Saka’s absence. The defence is also missing Saliba.
Liverpool’s midfield could be affected if Szoboszlai is not fit. The team is also without several defenders.
What Happens Next
Both managers will provide updates on their teams. Arteta will speak to the media before Sunday’s meeting. Andoni Iraola is expected to give an update during Friday’s press conference.
For now, the focus is on the match. Both teams will be hoping their injured players recover in time.
