Arsenal suffers huge blow ahead of Liverpool clash

The Gunner’s much-anticipated clash against Liverpool in the FA Cup’s third round has left the Arsenal on edge due to a key blow to their attacking star in the lead-up to the fixture.

As the Premier League temporarily steps aside for the historic cup competition, encounters among top-flight clubs have garnered attention.

Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Everton necessitates a replay, while Brentford and Wolves are set for a rematch following a 1-1 stalemate. Additionally, Spurs secured a 1-0 victory over Burnley, courtesy of Pedro Porro’s exceptional strike.

The Emirates Stadium will be the battleground for Arsenal as they host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side in a 4:30 pm kick-off, with both teams eyeing a coveted spot in the fourth round and envisioning a journey to Wembley for potential silverware at the season’s end.

Liverpool faces a challenge with a significant injury list, including absentees such as Dominik Szoboszlai due to a hamstring issue, alongside sidelined players Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, and Kostas Tsimikas.

Mo Salah’s absence, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, further depletes the Reds’ squad for this fixture.

However, Arsenal received their own injury setback in the lead-up to the encounter. Gabriel Jesus’s fitness has become a concern, with the Brazilian international grappling with a knee problem, reported by the Daily Mail.

The severity of the issue remains uncertain, raising hopes that it won’t hamper Jesus’s long-term availability to support Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title. Nonetheless, should the injury sideline him, his involvement in the clash against Liverpool appears doubtful.

Should Jesus be ruled out, Arsenal will be banking on his potential return for their subsequent Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on January 20.

The 26-year-old forward has made an impact this season, netting seven goals in 21 appearances for Arsenal, despite a previous absence due to a hamstring problem between October and November.