The latest Arsenal injury news ahead of the Gunners hosting Liverpool in the Premier League, as manager Mikel Arteta issues updates on Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus.
Jurgen Klopp brings his Anfield club back to Emirates Stadium on Sunday, only 28 days after Liverpool beat Arsenal in the FA Cup. The Reds clinched a 2-0 result in the third round of the world’s oldest national football competition sparked by an own goal from Jakub Kiwior (80’).
Kiwior diverted the ball past Aaron Ramsdale to break the deadlock before Luis Diaz (90’+5) added a second goal. Arteta will now look to avenge Arsenal’s defeat when Liverpool return to north London in the Premier League, and also reduce their deficit at the top of the table.
Arsenal injury list ahead of hosting Liverpool
Arsenal welcome Liverpool back to the capital on Sunday trailing Klopp’s team by five points through 22 games. The Gunners are level on points with Manchester City in second but have played an extra fixture. Pep Guardiola’s Citizens are next in action on Monday night, as well.
Arteta will remain without Takehiro Tomiyasu this weekend after Japan reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. But Mohamed Elneny and Egypt lost in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations to DR Congo on penalties. Elneny started three of Egypt’s four AFCON ties.
A win this Sunday might fully bring life back to Arsenal’s title challenge, after ending a three-game winless run with back-to-back wins. Liverpool started the Gunners’ negative run with a 1-1 draw at Anfield. So, ahead of Sunday’s clash, here is the latest injury situation at Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus injury latest
Arsenal are set to have Gabriel Jesus available to face Liverpool after training unhindered at London Colney this week. The forward suffered an aggravation of his earlier knee injury and was a doubt to face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. But he pushed through to win the game.
Jesus needed minor surgery last August after reporting discomfort in the same knee that he initially injured and required an operation on at the 2022 World Cup. The 26-year-old would also aggravate the issue in January and missed Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, as well.
Arteta was able to welcome Jesus back immediately in the Gunners’ 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace. The Brazilian further laid on an assist, before scoring and assisting goals as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-1. Now, Arteta has noted that Jesus has continued to train unhindered.
“Gabi played and trained with us the whole week,” Arteta outlined on Friday, via quotes by football.london, whilst addressing Arsenal’s injury situation ahead of them facing Liverpool.
Expected return: Liverpool (February 4)
Fabio Vieira injury latest
Liverpool’s return to Arsenal is likely to come too soon for Fabio Vieira to return from a groin injury. The 23-year-old has been out of action since receiving a red card against Burnley last November. He sustained the injury whilst suspended and, ultimately, required an operation.
Arteta welcomed Vieira back into group training during Arsenal’s winter camp in Dubai. But a return to the pitch still appears unlikely ahead of the Reds’ return to Emirates Stadium. The Portuguese playmaker has only featured for 238 minutes over eight Premier League games.
Expected return: West Ham United (February 11)
Thomas Partey injury latest
Arteta revealed during his pre-match press conference that Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey against Liverpool through injury. The Ghanaian has suffered a setback in his recovery from a persistent thigh injury. He initially suffered the blow during training back in October.
Arsenal sent Partey for a procedure on his calf in November in the hope of him returning to fitness in January. But he has now developed an aggravation in the same area and will need further tests. The 30-year-old has not played for Arsenal since beating Manchester City 1-0.
“Unfortunately, we had a little setback a few days ago,” Arteta noted in his press conference. “He’s not going to be available in the squad. We’ll see if it’s a matter of days or weeks.
“But he had a little thing. I’m not a doctor but he felt something in a very similar area and he wasn’t able to train the last few days.”
Expected return: Burnley (February 17)
Jurrien Timber injury latest
Another game goes past with Liverpool’s trip for Jurrien Timber as the Arsenal ace continues his recovery from ACL surgery. Arteta has been without the Dutchman since the opening day of the Premier League campaign. But it remains possible that Timber returns during March.
Expected return: FC Porto (March 12)
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