Arsenal Duo Ruled Out Injured vs Liverpool

London, January 7, 2026 – Arsenal will be without key defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera for Thursday's Premier League clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference.[1][3]

Calafiori suffered a "very awkward" injury ahead of the Brighton game, while Mosquera has been sidelined since December with an ankle issue expected to keep him out for weeks, potentially until mid-January.[1][4] Both are in the final stages of rehabilitation and "pretty soon" could return if all goes well, Arteta noted, but they remain unavailable for this crucial fixture.[1][3]

Adding to Arsenal's defensive woes, young prospect Max Dowman is also ruled out with an Achilles injury sustained in December, sidelining him for at least another month.[3][4] However, there's positive news up front: Kai Havertz is set to return after a lengthy absence for two separate issues. The German trained this morning and is "very close" to being available in his best form, with Arteta monitoring his load carefully.[1][3]

Arsenal head into the match atop the Premier League table, 14 points clear of defending champions Liverpool and six points ahead of Manchester City, aiming to extend their lead and avenge an earlier 1-0 loss at Anfield via Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick.[1] Fresh off a 3-2 win at Bournemouth thanks to Declan Rice's brace, Arteta emphasized focus: "We know what we have to do to beat them. Now we have to prove it on the pitch."[1]

For Liverpool, under Arne Slot, striker Hugo Ekitike – their top scorer with seven goals in 18 games – is a major doubt after missing training due to a muscle problem.[2][4][5] Fellow forward Alexander Isak is out with a broken fibula, and Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.[2] The Reds sit fourth, unbeaten in nine but hampered by recent draws.[2]

Match details: Thursday, January 8, 8pm GMT, Emirates Stadium, live on Sky Sports.[3]

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