Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta could have misplaced one other key determine because the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk got here at a price.
An personal purpose by Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk was the distinction, as he missed Gabriel Martinelli’s try in direction of purpose, giving the Gunners their second Champions League victory of the season.
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Leandro Trossard had a golden alternative to double Arsenal’s lead from the penalty spot within the second half, however Riznyk redeemed himself with a fantastic save.
However Gunners followers could also be extra anxious about Riccardo Calafiori’s health than the end result.
The Italian defender was pressured off within the second half after his knee buckled inwards when he slipped on the grass.
Calafiori appeared effective at first however was unable to proceed when Myles Lewis-Skelly got here on in his place within the 72nd minute.
Ben White additionally got here off in the course of the match in opposition to Shakhtar, however Arteta confirmed after the match that his substitution was purely tactical, because the defender was on a yellow card.
The lack of Calafiori can be the very last thing Arteta wants given the membership’s worrying checklist of absences forward of the crunch conflict in opposition to Liverpool on the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Star winger Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring damage whereas on worldwide obligation with England in early October.
Talking after the Shakhtar recreation, Arteta was unable to supply any ensures on Saka’s return nor have been there any clear updates on Calafiori.
“I do not know as a result of he (Saka) hasn’t been in a position to prepare but, so it is unlikely,” Arteta mentioned.
Concerning Calafiori, Arteta added: “With Riccy he needed to go away as a result of he felt one thing. I do not know the extent of it, nevertheless it’s not excellent news.”
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Arsenal will not be with out captain Martin Odegaard as he continues to recuperate from an ankle damage he suffered whereas enjoying for Norway in September.
Arteta can now make plans with out William Saliba as he’s suspended because of the purple card he acquired within the 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth final weekend.
Jurrien Timber is one other damage drawback as he was not on the bench for the Bournemouth or Shakhtar recreation.
If Calafiori, Timber, Saka and Odegaard have been unable to play in opposition to Liverpool, Arteta can be with out 5 key gamers.
Given the slim margins within the title race in earlier seasons, dropping 5 important stars for the sport in opposition to Liverpool may show a deadly blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.
Liverpool are in first place within the Premier League with 21 factors, whereas Arsenal are in third place with 17.
A win for Arne Slot’s facet would give them a substantial lead over Arsenal within the standings, whereas the latter may drop to sixth place by the tip of the week.
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Aston Villa, Brighton and Chelsea have 17, 15 and 14 factors respectively, though the Blues share the identical purpose distinction as Arsenal of +7.
Nonetheless, Arteta issued a warning to anybody who writes his group off forward of Liverpool’s go to.
“Imagine me, on Sunday we’ll fly,” Arteta mentioned in his press convention.
