Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a daunting trip to Anfield this weekend to take on Liverpool, with his squad plagued by injury concerns. The Gunners, who topped the Premier League injury charts last season with 27 separate issues, are once again grappling with a depleted roster. As many as seven key players were absent from training images released on Wednesday, casting doubt over their availability for the high-stakes clash.
Long-term absentees Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined, while Ben White, missing since the trip to Manchester United, was not spotted in training. New signing Christian Norgaard, yet to make a competitive appearance for Arsenal, was also absent. The situation worsened with recent injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka, both sustained in the match against Leeds United. Leandro Trossard’s status is uncertain after a brief substitute appearance in that game, as he was not seen in training. However, there is a silver lining: new signing Eberechi Eze was involved in the session, though it remains unclear if he will start in such a crucial fixture.
With Odegaard’s fitness in question, Arteta may bypass the temptation to rely on young talent Ethan Nwaneri, who struggled after replacing the Norwegian against Leeds. Instead, the Spaniard could turn to a forgotten star in his squad: Mikel Merino. The Spanish international, often overshadowed by Arsenal’s summer signings, has proven his worth in big moments. Last season, Merino stepped up in the absence of Declan Rice, scoring a vital equalizer at Anfield after Arsenal trailed by two goals. His knack for arriving at the right moment, as seen when he pounced on a rebound from Odegaard’s long-range effort, could make him the ideal candidate to fill the creative void.
Merino’s versatility offers Arteta tactical flexibility. He has previously played as an advanced midfielder alongside Rice, with either Thomas Partey or Jorginho anchoring the base of midfield. His deployment in this role was evident in last season’s draw at Everton and the controversial stalemate against Brighton, where Arsenal were unfortunate to concede a questionable penalty. With his experience and composure, Merino could provide the stability and spark Arsenal need in Odegaard’s potential absence.
Arteta’s squad depth, bolstered by a successful summer transfer window, gives him options that were sorely lacking last season. Even with multiple injuries, the Gunners are better equipped to handle the challenges of a venue as formidable as Anfield. Merino’s potential return to the starting XI could be the shock move that turns the tide in Arsenal’s favor, proving that even their out-of-favor stars can rise to the occasion in a pivotal Premier League showdown.