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))

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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.