Arsenal’s injury crisis could benefit Liverpool
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that several key Arsenal players remain sidelined, raising the possibility that our rivals’ front line will struggle to keep pace with us.
The Spaniard admitted about Gabriel Jesus (via premierinjuries.com): “It’s about taking steps every day in a different environment.
“He has done everything on his own; now he has very competitive players around him, and let’s see how he handles that. But he is full of energy.”
The Brazilian striker is far from the only concern. Martin Odegaard is also excluded: “It’s going in a steady direction, but he’s some distance away.”
Kai Havertz’s situation is equally vulnerable: “Let’s first see how he takes the load when he starts training with us. Once he does that, we will obviously have to keep an eye on him, especially in the first few weeks, to manage the number of minutes and when we play him.”
Arsenal’s wingers are also suffering. Arteta said of Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Chukwunonso Madueke before the international break: “I can’t confirm everything [them are out this weekend]but you are not far away. Some of them, all of them, [could be available after the break]Don’t know.
“A lot of things have to happen in the next two weeks and everything has to be perfect, but I think we will be very close.”
Defensively, their problems are compounded by the uncertain return of Gabriel Magalhaes, who the injury website has given him only a 25% chance of returning anytime soon.
Why this matters to Liverpool’s title challenge
For us, Arsenal’s injury crisis presents a potentially decisive period. While they battle fitness issues, Liverpool can take advantage of a softer schedule and look to close the gap.
Liverpool have an injury boost of their own with Alisson set to be back in contention and updates on Jeremy Frimpong, Stefan Bajectic and Jayden Danns are provided this week.
Our own form has faltered, but if the Gunners are weakened it could allow us to apply sustained pressure over the Christmas period – when the games come in quick succession.
This is especially important given the upcoming matches: we have already played many of the top six and with this being the longest series without an international break, the timing couldn’t be more favorable.
If we get into shape now we could be perfectly placed to make a serious title climb.
Join our readers channel on WhatsApp to receive the most important stories of the day directly on your mobile
#Arsenals #sevenman #injury #crisis #hand #Liverpool #real #title #opening