Latest Arsenal injury news as two stars set to return v Liverpool in Arteta boost

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Mikel Arteta can expect two Arsenal stars to be ready to return to the action when the Gunners travel to Anfield on Saturday. 

Mikel Arteta will need as many of his top talents at his disposal as possible when Arsenal face off against Liverpool this weekend. 

This encounter on Merseyside is a huge top of the table clash, as the winner will be in pole position come Christmas Day. It will be an intense, high pressure affair in which having quality options on the bench to call upon could prove crucial for either manager.

Injuries have hit Arsenal hard at times this season, often with the result of severely restricting Arteta’s options in terms of substitutes. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli, amongst others, have all faced fitness issues and missed matches so far this season.

As things stand, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Fabio Vieira are all currently out of action with longer-term injuries and will play no part against Liverpool.

A lack of squad depth ultimately cost Arsenal very dearly indeed last season, as injuries to key players such as William Saliba contributed heavily to the derailing of their Premier League title push towards the end of the campaign. 

Arteta cannot afford to find himself suffering the same fate at the business end of this season. As such, action must be taken in the upcoming January transfer window. Given the losses he has sustained to his back line, bolstering the defensive contingent has to be the top priority for Arsenal this winter. 

Arsenal midfielders Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are options again for Mikel Arteta

Returning our attention back to the imminent showdown at Anfield, there is some good news for Arteta. According to football.london, both Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny, who had picked up knocks in recent weeks, are expected to be fit to return to the squad for this match. 

Jorginho has in fact already provided an optimistic update on his own recovery process. 

Whilst neither of the two veteran midfielders would have been likely to start against the Reds in any case, they can both offer a great deal of experience and composure from the bench, if required. Certainly, Arteta has leant on Jorginho’s calming presence in big matches in the past. The Italy international started in the 1-0 win against Manchester City earlier this season.

If Arsenal find themselves ahead against Liverpool, Arteta may well turn to Jorginho to help his side see out the match, as the 32-year-old is able to help dictate the pace of the game with his metronomic passing ability.