Liverpool Faces Arsenal in FA Cup Clash with Several Key Absences
Liverpool is set to kick off their FA Cup campaign against Arsenal, but manager Jurgen Klopp will have to navigate a number of absences for the match at the Emirates. Despite starting the year with a dominant 4-2 victory over Newcastle, Liverpool will be missing several key players as they aim to progress to the fourth round of the competition.
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Arsenal comes just two weeks after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield. However, both sides will be without some important figures since their last meeting. In addition to injuries, Liverpool is also dealing with the absence of players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup.
In an update on his squad ahead of the match, Klopp revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Newcastle. Unfortunately, this means he will also miss Wednesday’s semi-final first leg against Fulham. Klopp expressed optimism about Szoboszlai’s recovery but acknowledged that they would have to wait a bit longer.
Liverpool will also be without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo as they represent their respective nations. When asked about his parting message for the duo, Klopp jokingly said that wishing them good luck would be a lie.
On a positive note, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be fit to start after returning from a lengthy absence off the bench against Newcastle. Additionally, Nat Phillips, who recently returned from a loan spell, could make a notable inclusion in the squad. However, Owen Beck will be unavailable due to a surprise one-match suspension he received while playing for Dundee.
Several long-term absentees, including Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Joel Matip, Thiago, and Stefan Bajcetic, will remain sidelined. Ben Doak is also still recovering from knee surgery and would have been in contention to feature, especially with Salah’s absence.
Despite the absences, Liverpool still has a strong squad available for the Arsenal clash. Goalkeepers Alisson, Kelleher, and Adrian will be ready to defend the net. Defenders Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Quansah, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, and Chambers will provide defensive stability. Midfielders Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Clark, McConnell, and Nyoni will control the midfield, while forwards Nunez, Jota, Gakpo, Diaz, Elliott, and Gordon will lead the attack.
Liverpool will need to rely on their available players to secure a victory against Arsenal and continue their FA Cup journey under Klopp’s guidance.