Ekitike a major doubt ahead of kick-off (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta hopes to have Kai Havertz available again when Arsenal host Liverpool in tonight’s Premier League showdown at the Emirates.
Havertz has not featured since the opening weekend of the season, coming off the bench against Manchester United before undergoing what the club described as ‘minor’ knee surgery.
The Germany international was back in the squad against Aston Villa but was absent again at the weekend away to Bournemouth. That absence was down to load management rather than any fresh setbacks with Arteta revealing on Wednesday his forward is ‘very close’ to making his grand return.
Viktor Gyokeres was given the nod again up front against the Cherries, once again labouring with his only goal in the last eight league games coming from the penalty spot.
Gabriel Jesus is already applying some pressure, coming off the bench to replace the Swede in the last two games with Havertz’s return set to provide Arteta with another option up top.
Elsewhere, Arsenal remain without Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy international has not featured since the pre-Christmas clash with Crystal Palace, pulling out of the game against Brighton on 27 December with a knock picked up in the warm-up.
Cristhian Mosquera is also still unavailable but he is closing in on a return from the ankle injury he picked up at the start of December.
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Havertz was back among the Arsenal subs against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool could have a huge problem up front with Hugo Ekitike a doubt ahead of kick-off. The Frenchman missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday due to a hamstring problem which has prevented him from training with the squad all week.
Cody Gakpo was moved up top in his absence and may be asked to do the same tonight in north London with Alexander Isak a long-term absentee and Mohamed Salah still away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal XI to face Liverpool – Metro prediction
Will Arteta persist with Gyokeres up top? The Gunners boss values the work he gets through up top and despite the goal drought, is keeping faith in his summer signing.
Eberechi Eze’s minutes have dried up as of late and it will be no surprise to see him starting among the subs again tonight.
In Calafiori’s absence, Piero Hincapie has got the nod at left-back with Myles Lewis-Skelly not getting a look in. This weekend’s FA Cup clash against Portsmouth will give Arteta ample opportunity to rotate and rest his squad so a similar XI to the one that beat Villa and Bournemouth is likely.
Liverpool XI to face Arsenal – Metro prediction
Arne Slot will be desperate to call upon Eiktike tonight but he and his staff will surely exercise caution.
Arsenal vs Liverpool TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Liverpool kicks off tonight (Thursday 8 June) at 8pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
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