Arsenal and Liverpool are set to lock horns in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final having both seen their squads depleted by AFCON-related absences.
However, the rising COVID-19 cases in Jurgen Klopp’s squad has meant the Reds are already fearing they may not be able to play this week.
Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp both missed their sides games last weekend after positive Covid tests
Manager Jurgen Klopp and three first-team players missed the 2-2 draw with Chelsea after returning positive tests for coronavirus.
And the extra challenge of the Africa Cup of Nations has seen them lose more squad members including both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Arsenal v Liverpool: talkSPORT commentary
The Carabao Cup tie is set to take place on Thursday, January 6 at the Emirates and kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.
The match will be live on talkSPORT with our coverage starting at 7pm.
Adrian Durham will be your host while commentary will be provided by Jim Proudfoot and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2, click HERE for the live stream.
- App iPhone – Download from the Apple store
- Android – Download from Google Play
- Radio – talkSPORT is available across the United Kingdom via DAB digital radio and on 1089 or 1053 AM
- TV – Listen to talkSPORT through your TV on the following channels: Sky: Channel 0108 Virgin Media: Channel 927 Freeview: Channel 723 Freesat: Channel 731
Jota has proved in fine form in front of goal for Liverpool against ArsenalGETTY
Arsenal vs Liverpool: Team news
The Gunners are without Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to AFCON duty.
Eddie Nketiah is expected to miss out after a positive Covid test, while Gabriel will be serving his one-match ban due his red card against Man City.
As for Liverpool, Klopp is set to miss the first leg due to self-isolation rules, with Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip also in quarantine.
The start of AFCON has seen their list of absentees increase by three with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita all heading to Cameroon.
The Reds are also without Thaigo Alcantara, while squad players Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi remain doubtful.
Nat Phillips and Harvey Elliott are both long-term absentees but Andy Robertson can return from his three-match suspension.
Salah is the Premier League’s top goalscorer but will be unavailable for both legs against ArsenalGetty
Arsenal vs Liverpool: What has been said?
Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders is positive the Reds have the firepower in attack to offset the loss of chief marksmen Mane and Salah.
“You can try to plan it but you can never prepare it,” Lijnders said following the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
“It is not a worry because we have faith in the boys we have and a few boys are coming back as well.
“We know that certain players can play more offensively as well, they have been playing in midfield but they can play more offensively as well.”
