Liverpool will be without Diogo Jota for the trip to Arsenal, as Darwin Nunez will lead the line, while Curtis Jones keeps his place.
Liverpool are in the process of completing a tough week with their visit to the Emirates, which also represents the second of a three-game away run. Arne Slot’s men have come out on top in the two fixtures since last Sunday, including those against Chelsea and then RB Leipzig, as they prepare for their biggest test in the form of Arsenal.
Ahead of the game, Arne Slot provided the updates on the team news and confirmed the potential absences of at least three players ahead of the Arsenal clash. Of those, Diogo Jota is sidelined, while the Dutchman more or less confirmed the likelihood of Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley sitting out of this one.
Jota suffered a rib injury in the opening half against Chelsea and had to be replaced with Darwin Nunez. The Portuguese striker was a no-show on the away trip to Leipzig, and now Arne Slot has confirmed that his starting striker will play no part in the visit to Arsenal.
On team news, Arne Slot said, “I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend,” Slot told reporters on Friday morning. Federico might train with us today or tomorrow – but Diogo definitely not. And Conor Bradley, let’s see if he can be with us tomorrow.”
Beyond those three, Alisson Becker will miss the coming few weeks with a hamstring problem, while Harvey Elliott is also on the sidelines for the time being. Other than that, there are no fresh casualties from the midweek UEFA Champions League clash, as Arne Slot will aim to field his strongest possible lineup to face Arsenal.
Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal after two impressive displays against Chelsea and Leipzig. He will have a familiar back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson in front of him. Slot does have the option to start Kostas Tsimikas in the left-back role, although the Scotsman’s experience in big games will see him start instead.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister remain Arne Slot’s preferred midfield pair. He will continue to play the impressive Curtis Jones in the advanced role. Mohamed Salah will be Liverpool’s biggest threat in the attacking third and will start on the right.
Jota’s replacement, Darwin Nunez, had an impressive midweek outing, scoring the only goal in the Leipzig game. He will lead the line in the Portuguese’s absence, while Cody Gakpo could continue to feature ahead of Luis Diaz on that left wing.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez
