Mikel Arteta could be missing three players when Arsenal take on Liverpool.(Image: (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images))

8 players set to miss Arsenal vs Liverpool as Mikel Arteta gives huge double injury update

by · football.london

Arsenal and Liverpool could both be missing a host of players for their Premier League showdown on Thursday night, which could have huge implications on the outcome of their seasons.

While the festive fixture period is now over, that doesn't mean the calendar eases much for either Arsenal or Liverpool in the coming week. The two sides are set for a face-off in midweek Premier League action, with the Gunners playing host to the Reds in a mouth-watering encounter at the Emirates Stadium.

Arne Slot got the better of Mikel Arteta last time the two met, as a late Dominik Szoboszlai goal from a free-kick handed all three points to the champions. Since then, both teams have been on very different journeys with some fresh challenges ahead of them for the second half of the campaign.

Arsenal are clear favourites to win the Premier League title, having taken charge at the top of the table with an impressive run of form. Liverpool, on the other hand, experienced a drop in form since that win over the Gunners, but have built themselves back up to be in contention for the top-four.

It sets up an intriguing meeting between the champions and, potential, champions-elect, in another task for both sides to get through. Injuries and absences could play a large part in proceedings in north London so - with all that said - here's a close look at eight players who could miss out;

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury during the warm-up for Arsenal's clash against Brighton in late December, which saw him drop out of the matchday squad, to be replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The defender remains out of action for the Liverpool clash, but Arteta gave a positive update on the star's possible return soon.
He said: "No, they're [Calafiori and Mosquera] out again... I think [they will return] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab, I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection."(Image: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images))

Cristhian Mosquera

Another Arsenal defender who has been out of action is Cristhian Mosquera. The centre-back picked up an ankle injury against Brentford in early December, which came as quite a blow.
As with Calafiori, Arteta said Mosquera won't be available against Liverpool, but is closing in on a possible return to action.(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Max Dowman

Youngster Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakout season at Arsenal, but that run in the team has been hit with a blow after picking up an ankle injury. The youngster is still set for a spell on the side-lines as he recovers.(Image: (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images))

Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike missed out on Liverpool's match with Fulham due to muscle soreness. While he is yet to train, the forward could be available once again for when the Reds take on Arsenal.
Slot told the press about his fitness: "He has not trained with us until now, and let's see if he can today. I've said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for too long, but because games come so fast, he is in between, maybe training with the team, or it would take him one, two days extra."(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah won't be available for Liverpool while he participates in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His side have reached the quarter-final, where they take on Ivory Coast.(Image: (Photo by Mohamed Tageldin / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images))

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is set for a long spell on the side-lines owing to a fracture in his leg. The Liverpool star picked it up after scoring against Tottenham, with a late challenge leaving him unable to continue.(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Wataru Endo

Liverpool have been without Wataru Endo since early December due to an injury. Before the Fulham match, Slot revealed he hasn't been back in training yet, but he could close in on a return to action soon.(Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images))

Giovanni Leoni

Another star who is set for a spell on the side-lines is Giovanni Leoni. The defender picked up an unfortunate ACL injury early in his Liverpool career, and won't be back until next season.(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))