5 Liverpool players could miss Arsenal clash

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Liverpool face significant selection concerns ahead of their crucial Premier League trip to face leaders Arsenal at the Emirates, with up to five players at risk of missing the clash. The game is framed as a major test for Arne Slot’s side, who trail Arsenal in the table and can ill afford further setbacks in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

The most pressing doubt surrounds Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 11 goals in all competitions. Having missed the recent 2-2 draw with Fulham due to a hamstring issue initially believed to be delayed onset muscle soreness, subsequent scans revealed a more concerning problem. Slot has stressed that the club will not take unnecessary risks with the French striker’s fitness, leaving his availability against Arsenal uncertain.

Mohamed Salah is a confirmed absentee as he remains on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence deprives Liverpool of their most prolific and influential forward at a pivotal stage of the season.

In defence, young Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni is ruled out long-term after undergoing ACL surgery on a serious knee injury sustained earlier in the campaign. Slot has already confirmed that the teenager will not feature again this season, reducing Liverpool’s depth at the back.

Midfield options are also impacted, with Wataru Endo still sidelined by an ankle/foot injury picked up in early December. He is not expected to return to full training until mid-January, meaning he will definitely miss the Arsenal fixture.

To compound Liverpool’s issues in attack, Alexander Isak remains out with a broken leg suffered in late December. The forward is not expected back until at least late April, leaving Slot heavily reliant on Ekitike’s potential recovery or alternative solutions in the forward line.

Collectively, these problems highlight the scale of Liverpool’s challenge as they prepare to face an in-form Arsenal side with both squads managing important absences.