Virgil van Dijk makes controversial Arsenal injury claim that fans will hate after Liverpool draw

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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may rile up Arsenal fans with his recent comments on their injury issues leading into the clash.

The Gunners were facing a crisis when it came to selecting a team, with injuries and suspensions leaving some questions over a starting lineup.

While William Saliba was guaranteed to miss out through a suspension, there were plenty of doubts across the board.

Martin Odegaard, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu were all confirmed out before the tie, leaving fewer options available to Mikel Arteta.

Further doubts over Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber gave the Arsenal boss some sleepless nights leading to the match.

Fortunately, the latter two were available, though issues were extended with more injuries through the game.

Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with a knee issue, while Timber later came away with a muscular problem.

• READ MORE: ‘Quite easy’… Virgil van Dijk takes aim at £45m Arsenal star after scoring at the Emirates

Virgil van Dijk on Arsenal injuries

Following the match, Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was asked a question, leading with mention of Arsenal’s injuries.

The defender hit back with a controversial comment, stating to Sky Sports: “Another player injured? I think they only had two.”

It will be a comment that will no doubt frustrate Arsenal supporters, who are already looking at their injury problems with a worried expression.

The Gunners will dispute those comments as the injuries have forced Arteta to rejig his defence into far-from-ideal positions.

Plenty of different options, particularly at the back, make it tough for Arsenal to play in the way that they want to.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta provides Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes injury update after Arsenal draw vs Liverpool

Arsenal must rely on squad depth more

While the first-team are facing a slight injury crisis, the winners at the very top often make the most of their full squad depth.

As a result, in the case of Arsenal, more faith must be placed in those squad options to deliver the performances and points.

The likes of Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling and more are very capable players.

With that in mind, leaning on them to play their part will be required to help earn those points in tight games.

That could not only help win more, but give a rest to those players who need it the most, keeping them free of injury and capable of performing at the top level.