Arsenal to face triple absences in attack for derby against Liverpool; Havertz leads the way
Arsenal will face Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday (31) with three major absences in attack. Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are sidelined through injury, forcing Mikel Arteta to reshuffle his squad for the Premier League’s early top-of-the-table clash.
Havertz injury confirmed, return forecast improved
Kai Havertz, injured in the opening round against Manchester United, will be out for the next several weeks due to a knee issue. According to The Athletic, the German’s recovery time has been shortened, with a possible return within two months — earlier than initially feared.
He joins Gabriel Jesus, still recovering from knee surgery in January, and Bukayo Saka, who continues treatment for a thigh injury, on the sidelines.
Eberechi Eze could debut for the Gunners
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal fans may get their first glimpse of Eberechi Eze in red and white. Signed from Crystal Palace for €69.3 million, the playmaker has trained with the squad and will travel to Liverpool.
At Friday’s press conference, Arteta praised the 26-year-old:
“We have options at that position, and that’s a good thing this year. I’m really impressed. He’s very brilliant.”
The manager, however, remained coy about whether Eze would start or come off the bench.
High stakes and a 12-year taboo at Anfield
Sunday’s game is not only a battle for the Premier League summit but also a chance for Arsenal to break a long-standing drought. The Gunners last won at Anfield in September 2012. Since then, in 15 visits, they’ve drawn eight and lost seven.
The most recent clash in May ended 2-2, with Liverpool’s Gakpo and Luis Díaz scoring before Martinelli and Merino equalized for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s heavy investment
After another ambitious summer window, nearing the €300 million spending mark, Arsenal have built a deeper squad to cope with key injuries. The absence of three frontline attackers will test that depth with Havertz, Saka and Gabriel Jesus all sidelined for a match that could shape the season’s early narrative.
