Arsenal could be without FIVE key players for clash with Liverpool as Arteta gives worrying update on duo
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may have lost another key figure as the Gunners' 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk came at a cost.
An own goal by Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk was the difference, as he missed Gabriel Martinelli's attempt towards goal, giving the Gunners their second Champions League victory of the season.
Leandro Trossard had a golden opportunity to double ArsenalThe lead was a penalty in the second half, but Riznyk redeemed himself with a great save.
But Gunners fans may be more concerned about the fitness of Ricardo Calafiori instead of the result.
The Italian defender was forced off in the second half after his knee buckled inwards when he slipped on the grass.
Calafiori looked fine at first but was unable to continue when Myles Lewis-Skelly came on in his place in the 72nd minute.
Ben White also came off during the match against Shakhtar, but Arteta confirmed after the match that his substitution was purely tactical, as the defender was on a yellow card.
The loss of Calafiori would be the last thing Arteta needs given the club's worrying list of absences ahead of the crunch clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
star winger Bukayo Saka held a Hamstring injury while on international duty for England at the beginning of October.
Speaking after the Shakhtar game, Arteta was unable to offer any guarantees on Saka's return nor were there any clear updates on Calafiori.
“I don't know because he (Saka) hasn't been able to train yet, so it's unlikely,” Arteta said.
Regarding Calafiori, Arteta added: “With Riccy he had to leave because he felt something. I don't know the extent of it, but it's not good news.”
5
Arsenal will now be left without a captain Martin Odegaard like him continues to recover from ankle injury He learned while playing for Norway in September.
Arteta can now make plans without William Saliba, as he is suspended due to the Red card received in the 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth. last weekend.
Jurrien Timber is another injury problem as he was not on the bench for the Bournemouth or Shakhtar game.
If Calafiori, Timber, Saka and Odegaard were unable to play against Liverpool, Arteta would be without five key players.
Given the narrow margins in the title race in previous seasons, losing five vital stars for the game against Liverpool could prove a fatal blow to the Gunners' title hopes.
Liverpool are in first place in the Premier League with 21 points, while Arsenal are in third place with 17.
A win for Arne Slot's side would give them a considerable lead over Arsenal in the standings, while the latter could drop to sixth place by the end of the week.
5
5
5
Aston Villa, Brighton and Chelsea have 17, 15 and 14 points respectively, although the Blues share the same goal difference as Arsenal of +7.
However, Arteta issued a warning to anyone who writes his team off ahead of Liverpool's visit.
“Believe me, on Sunday we will fly,” Arteta said in his press conference.
