The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates is set to go ahead as planned and Mikel Arteta is set to receive some positive injury news.
The Gunners faced the Reds at Anfield in the first leg last Thursday. Granit Xhaka got himself sent off after just 24 minutes and it looked like one of those days at that point.
However, the lads stepped up and showed incredible character, commitment and togetherness to keep a clean sheet against one of the most dangerous sides in the country in their own backyard.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Arsenal injury news: Five players could return for Liverpool clash
Bukayo Saka, Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares and Kieran Tierney all picked up knocks against Liverpool at Anfield last week. Martin Odegaard missed the fixture due to COVID-19, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe sat out because of injuries.
Mikel Arteta is expected to shed more light on this in his press conference later today, but if the report from The Mirror is to be believed, Tomiyasu, Saka, Chambers, Tierney and Odegaard are all set to return to the squad.
Cedric is unlikely to come back from his hip problem, while there is no update on Smith Rowe’s injury just yet. Thomas Partey will return to North London following Ghana’s AFCON exit, but he isn’t expected to play a part on Thursday.
The Insider’s View:
That is a massive boost for Arteta and Arsenal.
Saka and Tomiyasu starting on the right flank make our side considerably stronger, while Odegaard has been absolutely incredible since the start of December.
Tierney recovering is massive news for Arsenal as well considering the Scotsman’s injury woes since he joined us.
Liverpool will still go into the game as favourites, but our home form has been brilliant this season. If we play to our full potential tomorrow, Arsenal should come away with a spot booked to face Chelsea in the final of the competition.
