Arne Slot has revealed that two key Liverpool players could miss the huge Premier League fixture against Manchester City through injury. On Wednesday evening, the Reds dropped points for the second consecutive midweek with Arsenal in a prime position to strike.
Either side of a nervy win against Wolves, the Reds drew 2-2 with both Everton and Aston Villa. Arsenal, meanwhile, left it late to beat Leicester City 2-0 at King Power Stadium, with the gap to Liverpool now at eight points, though the Gunners have a game in hand.
Due to Liverpool being in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, their game for that weekend was brought forward. As such, Arsenal will now be the team having played fewer games until it evens out in mid-March when Chelsea visit Emirates Stadium.
Before then, Arsenal welcome West Ham to north London with the chance to close the gap back down to five points ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Man City. Regardless of their recent form and drab 3-1 Champions League play-off second leg defeat to Real Madrid earlier this week, the champions are capable of beating any team.
Arne Slot could still be without Cody Gakpo and another key star for the clash at Etihad Stadium with the Liverpool boss explaining two of his early substitutions at Villa Park and revealing another player could miss the remainder of the season.
On Gakpo’s fitness, he admitted in a press conference. “”I hope [he can return] but I’m not 100 per cent sure. It will be a close call.” No [clarity on Conor Bradley injury], he still has to come in. I would be surprised if he is involved Sunday or against Newcastle.
“Joe Gomez has had surgery, out for a long time, maybe back before the end of the season. Jota and Trent didn’t play 90 because they have only just come back.” Bradley replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold midway through the second half but was later taken off himself after pulling up with an issue.
As for Arsenal, it is unlikely any returns will occur for the game against West Ham, but Ben White could feature for the first time in over three months after being named in the matchday squad against Leicester, but remaining an unused substitute.
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