Liverpool could be boosted by the return of Thiago Alcantara, who missed their last ten games with a hip problem. He returned to full training on Thursday alongside Virgil van Dijk, who was absent against Chelsea due to illness. However, Luis Diaz is unlikely to feature against Arsenal as he is still recovering from knee surgery, with next weekend’s game against Leeds United a more likely comeback date.

Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic, Naby Keita, and Calvin Ramsay are sidelined due to injuries. Van Dijk’s return should see Joel Matip drop to the bench, with Ibrahima Konate continuing to protect goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are expected to return to the starting lineup, with Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez making way.

Arsenal’s team news:

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will likely have to cope without William Saliba against the Liverpool clash. The French defender has missed Arsenal’s last two matches against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League and Leeds United due to a back problem.

The Liverpool clash is expected to come too soon for him to return. Saliba is joined in the infirmary by long-term knee victims Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny while Eddie Nketiah has had an ankle injury for the past weeks.

With Saliba not featuring, Rob Holding, who has deputised well for his teammate against Crystal Palace and Leeds United, can expect to link arms with Gabriel Magalhaes in front of Aaron Ramsdale once again.