Arsenal’s mounting seven-player injury list could give Liverpool a genuine opportunity in the title race.
Arsenal’s growing injury problems could hand Liverpool a major advantage in the title race, with as many as seven first-team players expected to miss this weekend’s match.
Arsenal’s fitness crisis could tilt momentum Liverpool’s way
Mikel Arteta has admitted that several key members of his squad remain unavailable, potentially making it difficult for the Gunners to keep pace with us at the top.
On Gabriel Jesus, Arteta said (via premierinjuries.com): “It’s about taking steps day by day in a new environment. He’s been working alone; now he’s around very competitive players, so we’ll see how he responds. But he’s full of energy.”
Jesus, however, is far from Arsenal’s only issue. Martin Ødegaard has also been ruled out: “It’s moving in the right direction, but he’s still some way off.”
Arteta offered similarly cautious comments on Kai Havertz: “We need to see how he handles the workload when he first trains with us. Once he’s back, we’ll have to manage his minutes carefully in the early weeks.”
Arsenal’s wing options are also stretched. Before the international break, Arteta admitted uncertainty over the availability of Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres and Chukwunonso Madueke: “I can’t confirm all of them are out this weekend, but you’re not far off. Some of them, all of them, could be back after the break — I’m not sure. A lot has to go right in the next two weeks, but we should be close.”
Their defensive concerns continue too, with Gabriel Magalhães only rated at 25% to return soon by injury experts.
Why this could matter for Liverpool
For Liverpool, Arsenal’s injury situation opens a potentially decisive window. While the Gunners juggle fitness problems, we have the chance to take advantage of a kinder run of fixtures and apply pressure.
We’re also receiving positive news of our own, with Alisson nearing a return and further updates expected soon on Jeremie Frimpong, Stefan Bajcetic, and Jayden Danns.
Although our form has been inconsistent, Arsenal’s setbacks may allow us to build momentum over the busy Christmas period, when the schedule is relentless.
With many of our toughest opponents already faced and no more international interruptions for a while, the timing couldn’t be better.
If we put a run together now, Liverpool could be perfectly positioned for a serious push at the Premier League title.
