Mikel Arteta Confirms Arsenal Duo Out of Liverpool Clash

In a pre-match press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will miss Thursday's Premier League showdown against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.[1][4]

Arteta revealed that both players are in the final stages of rehabilitation. "I think pretty soon they have to go to the last stage of the rehab," he said. "If everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection."[1] Calafiori has been sidelined with a bizarre unspecified injury, missing recent games against Brighton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth, while Mosquera is out with an ankle problem. Max Dowman is also confirmed absent due to injury.[1][4][5]

The clash, set for 8pm GMT on January 8, 2026, pits table-topping Arsenal—unbeaten in seven straight home league games—against challengers Liverpool. Arsenal arrive off a 3-2 win at Bournemouth, with Declan Rice scoring twice and Gabriel adding one.[2]

Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3)

• David Raya (GK)
• Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie
• Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice
• Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard

Expect returns for rested stars Saka and Trossard after bench spells against Bournemouth. Kai Havertz is a doubt but close to availability post long-term absence; he's being monitored for load management.[1][2][4]

Liverpool Injury Concerns

Arne Slot's side faces issues: Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike (hamstring) are sidelined, with Ekitike yet to train. Florian Wirtz manages a hamstring niggle but is expected to feature. Others out include Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Wataru Endo (ankle).[3][4][5][7]

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo.[2][4] Arteta anticipates rotation for Arsenal's upcoming FA Cup tie, prioritizing a strong lineup here.[1]

This top-of-the-table battle promises intensity, with Arsenal's depth and home form favored amid Liverpool's forward shortages.

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