Mikel Arteta confirms double injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double defensive injury blow ahead of his side’s crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard revealed that centre-backs Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori will both miss the game, leaving Arsenal short of options at the back.

Arteta explained in his pre-match press conference that the pair remain in the final stages of their rehabilitation and are not yet ready to return to action. He stated that they are “out again” but stressed that, provided there are no setbacks, they should be available “very soon” once they complete the last phase of their recovery.

Mosquera, 21, has been sidelined for over a month with a complicated ankle problem initially expected to keep him out for up to six weeks. Calafiori, meanwhile, has missed Arsenal’s last three fixtures after sustaining what Arteta described as a “very awkward” muscular injury. Their continued absence reduces Arsenal’s defensive depth at a time when the fixture list is intensifying.

The news comes as Arsenal prepare to host reigning champions Liverpool in a high-stakes encounter at the top of the table. Arsenal head into the match in outstanding form, having won seven consecutive games in all competitions and opening up a six-point lead at the Premier League summit. Their only league defeat so far came against Liverpool at Anfield, where a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick proved decisive, adding an extra layer of motivation for revenge.

Liverpool arrive unbeaten in nine matches but have shown vulnerability, drawing four of their last seven games and missing key forwards Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak. Despite the defensive injuries, Arsenal’s record of just 14 league goals conceded this season underlines the resilience Arteta will still look to rely on as his team seeks to consolidate its title charge against Arne Slot’s side.