Liverpool Could Be Without Five Players for Arsenal After Injury Setback

Liverpool face a mounting injury crisis ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, potentially missing up to five key players.[1][2][3][4]

The defending champions, currently fourth in the table after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Fulham, are grappling with significant absences in attack and defense. Star striker Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's top scorer this season, is a major doubt due to a minor hamstring injury sustained during the festive schedule. Manager Arne Slot confirmed Ekitike felt discomfort during an MRI scan en route to Fulham, ruling him out of that match despite initial hopes it was just delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Slot remains uncertain about his availability, stating a tighter recovery window makes it a "hammer blow" if he misses the game.[2][3]

Compounding the issue is the indefinite absence of British record signing Alexander Isak, sidelined with a broken ankle suffered after scoring against Tottenham last month. This has overburdened Ekitike as the primary senior centre-forward. Adding to attacking woes, Mohamed Salah is away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), potentially until January 18 if they reach the final.[2][4]

Defensively, Liverpool's backline is stretched thin. Teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL tear in September, denying respite to regulars Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, who have started all 20 league games. New signing Florian Wirtz is also nursing muscular issues from the intense schedule, though Slot hopes he will feature.[2]

With Arsenal six points clear at the top after a 3-2 win at Bournemouth and chasing an eighth straight victory, Arne Slot must improvise. Cody Gakpo emerges as the prime candidate to lead the line, having impressed with a goal in the Fulham draw (1,255 minutes, 8 goal involvements). Other options like Darwin Núñez are limited amid a £450m summer spend now exposed by injuries. Liverpool, 15-17 points behind, desperately need firepower to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap.[1][3][4]

Fans await Slot's pre-match update on Wednesday, praying for Ekitike's return to bolster a depleted squad against Mikel Arteta's rampant Gunners.[3]