Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool after Reds boss Arne Slot confirmed he will be without striker Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese forward has a rib injury after a tussle with Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo last weekend – and will not be fit in time to make the trip to north London this weekend after also sitting out of the midweek win over RB Leipzig.
Slot will also likely be without Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley again, while Harvey Elliott and Alisson are still on the injury table.
Asked about injuries, Slot said: ‘I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing, Federico might train with us today or tomorrow but Diogo definitely not – and Conor, let’s see.’
It means Darwin Nunez will most probably be tasked with leading the line at the Emirates Stadium after two positive displays against Chelsea – when he replaced injured Jota off the bench – and Leipzig.
Arne Slot has confirmed that a key Liverpool player will miss Sunday's game against Arsenal
Slot’s troops have had a day fewer to prepare for the big game, flying back from Saxony on Thursday while Arsenal played at home on Tuesday. But the Dutchman was not complaining and said this is a big chance to make a statement.
‘We all know taking points from your competitor (is important) and we all know Arsenal will be one of them – and dropping points or winning points is always important, I think it was three draws and one loss last season (against Arsenal and City).
‘So if Liverpool could have won all two the league table would have been a bit different. It is difficult to win in an away leg against Arsenal or City but we are trying.’