Confirmed: Liverpool 1st-team regular ruled out v Arsenal, two more doubtful
Arne Slot has confirmed Diogo Jota will be missing for Liverpool when the side travels to face Arsenal on Sunday (27 October).
The 27-year-old sustained an injury in the 2-1 win against Chelsea last weekend and missed the 1-0 victory against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday [23 October].
Liverpool could be without a further two players heading to the Emirates on the weekend as Slot revealed in his pre-match press conference [25 October] the latest updates on Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley.
He said: “I think they feel good but not for the weekend. Chiesa might train today, Diogo not. Conor, let’s see if he can be with us tomorrow.“
Liverpool face the real biggest test of the season v Arsenal
Slot supposedly passed the biggest test of his Liverpool tenure thus far against Chelsea at Anfield but the Dutchman will face a far bigger challenge in North London.
Arsenal have replaced the Reds over the past two seasons as the closest challengers to English champions Manchester City.
The side will need to be at their absolute best to stand a chance of returning to Merseyside with a monumental three points.
While Bradley usually provides capable backup to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool supporters are yet to see what Chiesa can offer in a Reds shirt this season.
However, with Cody Gakpo in particular excelling in recent weeks, Slot is brimming with attacking options to take to the Emirates.
The Gunners are there for the taking, with William Saliba serving his suspension for receiving a red card in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth and star man Bukayo Saka facing a race against time to be declared fit for the match.
Last year, the Reds lost 3-1 at the Emirates under Jurgen Klopp after a mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk allowed Gabriel Martinelli to restore the hosts’ lead and put Arsenal firmly in control of the contest.
Liverpool appear to be a genuine title contender under Slot this season and, if he manages to best Mikel Arteta’s side this weekend, it will send a resounding message up the M62 to Manchester City and Pep Guardiola that the Reds are back.
In other Liverpool news, one Reds ace is in now-or-never territory at Anfield.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.