At least one of Arsenal or Liverpool will drop points for the first time in the 2025-26 Premier League season on Sunday, when the champions host the challengers in an Anfield blockbuster.

The Reds currently trail Mikel Arteta’s men on goal difference, and the build-up has been dominated by the Arsenal injury situation ahead of this top-of-the-table clash.

Arsenal injury list before facing Liverpool

Arsenal head into Anfield with several key players sidelined through injury.

Gabriel Jesus is ruled out with a long-term ACL problem, while Bukayo Saka misses out due to a hamstring injury.

Kai Havertz has also been confirmed absent after suffering a knee setback.

In addition to the confirmed absentees, doubts remain over the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard, who is struggling with a shoulder issue.

Leandro Trossard, Ben White, and new signing Christian Norgaard are also uncertain, each nursing knocks that could keep them out of the starting lineup.

With so many frontline options missing, Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his attack and midfield significantly.

Suspensions affecting Arsenal’s options

Unlike the injury crisis, Arsenal do not face any major suspensions going into the Liverpool clash.

However, the heavy workload and the possibility of late fitness tests mean that squad rotation could be decisive.

For a match of this magnitude, any absence—even without suspensions—will be felt strongly, given the pressure of competing directly with Liverpool for the top spot.

How the Arsenal injury list impacts Arteta’s plans

The Arsenal injury crisis leaves Arteta with limited choices in attack and midfield.

The predicted XI includes Raya in goal, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori in defense, while the midfield may rely heavily on Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Declan Rice.

In attack, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to lead the line.

The absence of Saka and Jesus significantly reduces Arsenal’s pace and finishing power in the final third, while Havertz’s creativity is also a major miss.

If Martin Odegaard and Trossard are unable to recover in time, Arsenal’s ability to control possession and create chances may be compromised.

Facing a Liverpool side almost at full strength—with Jeremie Frimpong the only major absentee—Arsenal’s depleted squad will need to show resilience.

Whether Arteta’s men can withstand the Anfield pressure without their key stars will be one of the defining storylines of the Premier League weekend.