Arsenal learn extended Liverpool injury blow ahead of crucial meeting with Unai Emery

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Arsenal will be rooting for their former manager Unai Emery as Aston Villa host Liverpool next in the Premier League.

The Gunners need all the fortune they can get in the Premier League title race as Arne Slot’s side currently lead the way by seven points. 

While Arsenal are struggling on the injury front, Liverpool are hitting a trialling patch of fixtures, starting with a trip to Villa Park.

All eyes will be on what Emery can do for his former club in terms of getting a result against the league leaders, with a major update coming from Merseyside ahead of the duel. 

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Arne Slot confirms Liverpool injury blow ahead of Aston Villa clash 

Mikel Arteta has limited attacking talent in his squad at present, with only three senior forwards ready to contribute. 

Arsenal’s Premier League title chances could take a hit as a result of injuries but, the boss is remaining positive.

Anything can happen in the English top-flight, as the Gunners know too well having led the 2022/23 campaign for the majority before missing out on the prize to Manchester City.

Arsenal will slyly be hoping that history repeats itself as right now, Liverpool are running away with the title but, Slot has confirmed that his side have come into some troubles of their own. 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Villa, Slot confirmed that Cody Gakpo will miss another game due to a knock.

Gakpo, who has contributed to 21 goals in all competitions this season, will be ‘unavailable’ to face Villa, denting the Reds’ firepower going forward.

Unfortunately, Slot also confirmed that his squad have suffered a ‘big blow’, relaying that Joe Gomez will be out for ‘weeks’ with a hamstring injury.

Arteta has shared his concern about injuries to players around Europe due to the demanding schedule this season, with action surely having to be taken soon to protect those who bring us so much joy.

Unai Emery’s record against Liverpool 

There’s hope for Liverpool that Gakpo isn’t out for too long, given how influential the Dutchman has been over the campaign.

For now, the league leaders will be firmly focused on Aston Villa, something Arsenal will also be monitoring. 

Emery could do Arsenal a favour by beating Liverpool but, it will be harder than most challenges for the Spaniard, as history will tell you. 

In his managerial career, Emery has faced Liverpool 12 times, losing eight, drawing three and winning just once – triumphing in the Europa League final in 2016. 

Arsenal fans will be desperate to see their former manager’s luck change against the Reds, who is in need of a win as Villa’s unfavourable form drags on.