Arsenal could be without as many as seven key players when they visit Anfield to face Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League showdown.
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed in his pre-match update that Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are all sidelined with injuries, while Leandro Trossard is also a major doubt.
“We haven’t got Gabriel Jesus, we haven’t got Kai Havertz and we don’t have Bukayo,” Arteta admitted. “That is our reality — and Leandro Trossard too, probably.”
Club captain Martin Ødegaard is still being monitored and will undergo a late fitness test, while Ben White and Christian Norgaard are also racing against time to prove their availability.
With the growing list of concerns, Arteta may be forced to reshuffle his attack, potentially turning to summer recruits, with Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke all options to start in what could be a makeshift frontline.
Arsenal cruised to a dominant 5-0 win over Leeds United at the Emirates last week, with Viktor Gyökeres marking the occasion by netting his first goals for the club.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Jurriën Timber powered home from a corner, before Bukayo Saka coolly doubled the lead just before the interval.
After fluffing a clear chance earlier in the game, Gyökeres made amends by finding the net three minutes into the second half on his home debut.
Timber soon followed up with his second of the evening, putting the result well beyond doubt.
The night also brought a memorable moment for 15-year-old Max Dowman, who became Arsenal’s second-youngest ever debutant.
The youngster impressed in his late cameo and even earned a stoppage-time penalty, which Gyökeres converted to round off the emphatic victory.
