Arsenal are optimistic that tomorrow’s Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool will go ahead as planned, with the fitness crisis that led to the postponement of Sunday’s match against Tottenham now easing.
The Gunners had less than 13 first-team outfield players available for the north London derby meeting with Spurs, which under Premier League regulations meant they could have the match called off.
There had been some fears that Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg tie against Liverpool could fall victim too, but the club’s issues are now improving.
Midfielder Martin Odegaard has finished his period of isolation after contracting Covid-19 and others, such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu, are pushing to play after struggling with injury.
Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares, who both picked up knocks during last week’s goalless first leg at Anfield, are being assessed to see if they can play at Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
Arsenal have drawn criticism for allowing players to leave during their fitness crisis, with Sead Kolasinac joining Marseille yesterday after his contract was mutually terminated. Defender Pablo Mari is also in advanced talks over a loan move to Udinese.
The Gunners have, however, recalled players from loan and the likes of midfielder Miguel Azeez and striker Tyreece John-Jules would classify as “registered players” under EFL regulations, further strengthening the belief that tomorrow’s game with Liverpool will go ahead.
Arsenal will, however, definitely be without Granit Xhaka for the game as he is banned for the next two matches following his red card in the first leg.
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