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Liverpool has 5 players missing for Arsenal game as Arne Slot waits for double boost

james findlater
·2-min read
Arne Slot will be without Diogo Jota for Liverpool's trip to Arsenal
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


There’s no change on the injury front for Liverpool as they prepare for their trip to Arsenal on Sunday, although Arne Slot could be handed a double boost in training today.

The Reds head to north London for the biggest test of their Premier League title credentials so far. Having seen off Chelsea last weekend to stay top of the table, tomorrow’s game could identify which side will provide the biggest challenge to defending champions Manchester City.

Having won 11 of his 12 matches in charge across all competitions so far, Slot nevertheless remains hungry for more. The Liverpool boss has underlined the importance a win in the capital could hold for his side, and there’s no doubt victory would lay down a huge marker as the Reds have the opportunity to go seven points clear of Arsenal.

Slot does have some injury problems to contend with, although his issues don’t look to be as serious as Mikel Arteta’s. Having said that, he is set to be without Diogo Jota, who has emerged as his first-choice striker this season.

That means Darwin Nunez will almost certainly lead the line again, having impressed against Chelsea and RB Leipzig in recent days. Slot’s options in attack are somewhat limited, with Federico Chiesa also set to miss out again.

Chiesa has not endured the best of starts to his time at Liverpool, having been out injured since picking up a knock before the Champions League clash with Bologna. There have even been reports in his homeland suggesting he could make a return to Serie A in January, less than half a year after making the move to Anfield.

Federico Chiesa has struggled with injury since joining Liverpool in the summer
Federico Chiesa has struggled with injury since joining Liverpool in the summer -Credit:Getty Images

The Italian, though could make a return to training alongside Conor Bradley before tomorrow’s game. Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Slot said: "They feel good but not when it comes to playing for us on the weekend.

"Federico might train at the weekend; Diogo definitely not. Conor Bradley, let's see if he can be with us tomorrow."

Caoimhin Kelleher will once again deputize for Alisson Becker, with the Brazilian still out with the hamstring problem he suffered at Crystal Palace. It’s unlikely we’ll see Liverpool’s No.1 again until after next month’s international break.

Harvey Elliott, meanwhile, is continuing his recovery after fracturing his foot while on England U21 duty last month. The midfielder posted an update on social media earlier this week as he looks to be on course for a return to action soon.