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8 players set to miss Arsenal vs Liverpool as Arne Slot shares Hugo Ekitike injury update

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Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Thursday night with both Premier League sides set to be without several key players due to injury and other factors.

Hugo Ekitike walks on to the pitch.

Hugo Ekitike is once again an injury doubt for Liverpool.

While the festive fixture period has now concluded, it doesn’t mean the schedule becomes any less hectic for either Liverpool or Arsenal. The two sides are poised for their midweek Premier League clash, with the Gunners welcoming the Reds to the Emirates Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Arne Slot came out on top against Mikel Arteta in their last meeting, when a late free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai secured all three points for the champions. Since then, both teams have embarked on very different paths with new challenges awaiting them in the second half of the season.

Liverpool suffered a dip in form following that victory over the Gunners, but have since rallied to put themselves back in the race for the top-four. Arsenal, on the other hand, are the clear favourites to clinch the Premier League title, having asserted their dominance at the summit of the table with an impressive run of form.

This sets the stage for a fascinating showdown between the reigning champions and the potential successors, presenting another hurdle for both teams to overcome. Injuries and absences could significantly influence the outcome of the match in north London so – with all that in mind – here’s our in-depth look at eight players who might be side-lined;

Giovanni Leoni

Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton

Another star who is set for a spell on the side-lines is Giovanni Leoni. The defender picked up an unfortunate ACL injury early in his Liverpool career, and won’t be back until next season.

(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))

5 of 8

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury for Arsenal in late December. The defender remains out of action for the Liverpool clash, but Arteta gave a positive update on the star’s possible return soon.

He said: “No, they’re [Calafiori and Mosquera] out again… I think [they will return] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab, I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”

Cristhian Mosquera

Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal as he is substituted with an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford

Another Arsenal defender who has been out of action is Cristhian Mosquera. The centre-back picked up an ankle injury in early December. As with Calafiori, Arteta said Mosquera won’t be available against Liverpool, but is closing in on a possible return to ac

Youngster Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakout season at Arsenal, but that run in the team has been hit with a blow after picking up an ankle injury. The youngster is still set for a spell on the side-lines as he recovers.

Hugo Ekitike is once again an injury doubt for Liverpool.

While the festive fixture period has now concluded, it doesn’t mean the schedule becomes any less hectic for either Liverpool or Arsenal. The two sides are poised for their midweek Premier League clash, with the Gunners welcoming the Reds to the Emirates Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Arne Slot came out on top against Mikel Arteta in their last meeting, when a late free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai secured all three points for the champions. Since then, both teams have embarked on very different paths with new challenges awaiting them in the second half of the season.

Liverpool suffered a dip in form following that victory over the Gunners, but have since rallied to put themselves back in the race for the top-four. Arsenal, on the other hand, are the clear favourites to clinch the Premier League title, having asserted their dominance at the summit of the table with an impressive run of form.

This sets the stage for a fascinating showdown between the reigning champions and the potential successors, presenting another hurdle for both teams to overcome. Injuries and absences could significantly influence the outcome of the match in north London so – with all that in mind – here’s our in-depth look at eight players who might be side-lined;

Giovanni Leoni

Another star who is set for a spell on the side-lines is Giovanni Leoni. The defender picked up an unfortunate ACL injury early in his Liverpool career, and won’t be back until next season.

(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))5 of 8

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury for Arsenal in late December. The defender remains out of action for the Liverpool clash, but Arteta gave a positive update on the star’s possible return soon.

He said: “No, they’re [Calafiori and Mosquera] out again… I think [they will return] pretty soon, they have to go to the last stage of the rehab, I think everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”

Cristhian Mosquera

Another Arsenal defender who has been out of action is Cristhian Mosquera. The centre-back picked up an ankle injury in early December. As with Calafiori, Arteta said Mosquera won’t be available against Liverpool, but is closing in on a possible return to action.

Max Dowman

Youngster Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakout season at Arsenal, but that run in the team has been hit with a blow after picking up an ankle injury. The youngster is still set for a spell on the side-lines as he recovers.

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Here’s the latest confirmed list of Liverpool’s January (2026) signings and transfer activity so far (updates as of 9 January 2026):

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✅ Confirmed Liverpool Signings (January 2026)

Noah Adekoya – 19-year-old centre-back signed from Burnley and has joined the club, likely initially with the U21s. �

The Liverpool Offside

Mor Talla Ndiaye (sometimes reported as *Mor Ndiaye/Talla Ndiaye) – 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back agreed to join Liverpool, expected to feature with the youth/U21 side initially. �

The Liverpool Offside +1

Ifеanyi Ndukwe – 17-year-old Austrian centre-back with a deal agreed; he’ll join Liverpool when eligible (typically summer 2026 or once administrative conditions are met for youth moves). �

Football Transfers +1

👉 These moves are mostly youth defensive signings as Liverpool look to bolster long-term depth — especially at centre-back. They are not senior first-team stars but promising young prospects. �

TEAMtalk

🔄 Other January Transfer Activity

Owen Beck returned from his loan at Derby to Liverpool — this is a return from loan rather than a fresh signing. �

ESPN.com

James Norris left Liverpool permanently, joining Shelbourne. �

ESPN.com

⚠️ Rumours & Targets (Not Confirmed Yet)

Liverpool have been linked with or are said to be interested in various players but none are officially signed yet:

Joel Ordóñez – Belgian centre-back (linked but unconfirmed). �

Reddit

Harvey Elliott – linked with a return from Aston Villa (rumour). �

Reddit

Attacking targets like Yan Diomande, Michael Olise, Yankuba Minteh have been mentioned as potential January targets, though nothing is confirmed. �

This Is Anfield

Federico Chiesa is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus away from Liverpool — not a confirmed exit yet. �

Black & White & Read All Over

📊 Summary Table

Category

Player

Type

Status

In

Noah Adekoya

CB

Confirmed

In

Mor Talla Ndiaye

CB

Agreed / Pending

In

Ifeanyi Ndukwe

CB

Agreed / Youth

Return

Owen Beck

LB

Returned from loan

Out

James Norris

LB

Permanent move

(CB = Centre Back, LB = Left Back)

If you want, I can also list every Premier League January transfer done so far (not just Liverpool). Just let me know!

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Liverpool deal ‘agreed’ as Marc Guehi update drops after Arsenal play their hand

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As of today there is no confirmed transfer that Liverpool have signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

 

 

 

 

There are only ongoing transfer rumours and interest reports — but no official confirmation that the move has happened. �

Sky Sports +1

📌 Current Situation

Marc Guehi is still a Crystal Palace player and is expected to continue there this season — Palace boss Oliver Glasner has said he believes Guehi will remain at Selhurst Park this January. �

Sky Sports

His contract expires at the end of the season and he refused a new deal, so he’s likely to leave when that contract ends. �

Sky Sports

Liverpool remain interested, but according to reliable sources they are not planning to complete the transfer now; they may wait for Guehi to move as a free agent in summer 2026. �

Goal

🚨 Rumours (but not confirmed)

Liverpool had a bid in the past, and discussions have taken place, but Crystal Palace blocked the deal previously because they couldn’t secure a replacement. �

Goal

Other clubs (e.g., Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid) have also shown interest. �

Football365

✅ Official stance: No, Liverpool have not confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi.

If you want the latest verified update (e.g., around live transfer window changes), let me know and I can pull that for you.

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Arsenal completes their first ever January transfer signing as £65m Winger who scored 15goals this season so far joins Arsenal on a 5yr deal with option for further season,player was on stand to watch Arsenal game last night

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Arsenal transfer news: Ethan Nwaneri reaches exit decision as £80m agreement eyed

 

Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest transfer news surrounding Arsenal

 

Mikel Arteta is hoping his Arsenal team can go all the way this season

 

Arsenal may be in the midst of a title race but they are still working quietly behind the scenes on transfers. Mikel Arteta has already admitted the club is willing to spend in January should the opportunity arise.

 

Heading into the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Thursday night, the Gunners hold a five-point advantage over rivals Manchester City, with an opportunity to stretch that to eight points after 21 games with a win over the title holders.

 

 

Arteta’s stacked squad, thanks to a summer of heavy expenditure on quality players, ensured they came out of an injury-riddled past four months unscathed, as some key players recently made their return to fitness.

 

Yet, in a division as tough as this and with four trophies to fight for, there is always room for squad improvement. Here, Mirror Football brings you two of the latest transfer developments involving the north London club.

 

Read more

 

 

Arsenal transfer news: Windfall boost expected from contract clause and tug-of-war with rivals

 

 

 

Arsenal can prove Liverpool star wrong and put Man City to bed along with bottlers label

 

 

Ethan Nwaneri makes exit decision

 

Ethan Nwaneri reportedly wants to stay and fight for his place in the Arsenal team for the remainder of the season. The 18-year-old has attracted attention from Bournemouth this month, with the Premier League side eager to sign him on loan until the end of this campaign following the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.

 

There is a sense that a temporary move would benefit Nwaneri given his lack of playing time this season. The Hale End academy product has been left out of the last few matchday squads after seeing his playing time decrease drastically compared to last season. He has made only six Premier League appearances since scoring four league goals in 26 matches last term.

 

Ethan Nwaneri has been less involved this season(Getty Images)

 

With the likes of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and now injury returnee Kai Havertz ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, some believe Nwaneri needs a move to continue his progression. However, Arsenal do not want to sell the player due to his obvious talent.

 

The Independent reports Nwaneri feels he can learn more by being part of a serious title challenge, meaning he is happy to remain patient and assess his situation at the end of the season, when he may well have a league trophy to his name.

 

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