Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury and Covid latest for Carabao Cup today

Arsenal have received a major boost with Granit Xhaka fit to start tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool.

The Swiss tested positive for Covid last week and had been a significant doubt, which would have left Mikel Arteta a problem due to his paucity of midfield options at present.

However, the Gunners are without several key men, including Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu though injury and Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian tested positive for Covid.

Gabriel is available again to partner Ben White in the centre of defence, which would not have been the case had the first leg gone ahead as planned last week.

The Brazilian missed Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest due to suspension, but he has now served his ban and is expected to start at Anfield.

Xhaka’s return means teenager Charlie Patino drops onto an inexperienced bench after starting at the City Ground.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Arsenal starting XI (4-2-3- 1): Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Xhaka, Saka, Martinelli, Lacazette, Nketiah

Date: Thursday, January 13, 2022, 7.45pm GMT, Sky Sports

Venue: Anfield

Referee: Michael Oliver

Arsenal squad from: Leno, Ramsdale, Okonkwo; Cedric, Chambers, Gabriel, Holding, Kolasinac, Mari, Tavares, Tierney, Tomiyasu, White; Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Smith Rowe, Xhaka; Balogun, Lacazette, Martinelli, Nketiah.

Unavailable: Aubameyang (AFCON), Elneny (AFCON), Partey (AFCON), Pepe (AFCON), Smith Rowe (groin), Tomiyasu (calf), Odegaard (Covid)