Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta told Arsenal have 'massive problem' after triple injury blow vs Liverpool

25 Oct 2024, 18:00 by Stephen Killen · football.london

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara has claimed he can see 'massive problems' in Arsenal's ranks ahead of their Premier League showdown against Liverpool.

The Gunners are looking to return to winning ways after suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth, last time out. Mikel Arteta's side bounced back with their 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League but face their latest top-of-the-table clash when they welcome the league leaders.

It will be the first time that the Spaniard takes on the new Liverpool head coach after Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp. Arsenal earned the bragging rights when the two last met, as Gabriel Martinelli was on target in a 3-1 win that seemingly derailed the Merseysiders' hopes of competing in the title race.

Liverpool currently sit top on goal difference, thanks to their win over Chelsea weekend, and they come up against an Arsenal side who are depleted through injury and suspension. Captain Martin Odegaard will miss the encounter through injury while William Saliba is out following his red card against the Cherries.

There are fresh concerns over Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber as the Italian limped off against the Ukranians, while both Saka and Timber missed the European encounter.

O'Hara has put Liverpool's chances ahead of the Gunners, he said speaking to Grosvenor Sport: "Liverpool look more likely to win the Premier League title than Arsenal.

"Arne Slot has got his team playing so well and they have more recent experience of winning a title.

“Arsenal haven't convinced me so far this season, they're not playing as well as they were, and I think the players know it. They have been unlucky with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and now Riccardo Calafiori, they've got massive problems."