Jesus out, youth trio in: Arsenal team news for Liverpool clash
A few Arsenal youth players are with the squad ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool, amid reports that Gabriel Jesus will be absent.
As we wait for the official team news for Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool on Sunday, various rumours have started to filter through about players involved in the squad.
Youth prospects Lino Sousa, Reuell Walters, and Ethan Nwaneri could all be seen in training photos ahead of the game, and reports on social media suggest the trio have joined the first-team at their pre-match hotel.
That doesn’t necessarily mean all three will be involved in the team or on the bench. Arsenal will often take at least one extra player to games in case of emergencies.
But it’s likely at least one or two of them will make the squad.
Elsewhere, there have been more concerning rumours involving Gabriel Jesus.
The striker couldn’t be spotted in training photos ahead of Sunday’s game, with various hints that Eddie Nketiah is set to start instead of the Brazilian.
The Daily Mail have since reported that Arsenal are sweating on Jesus’ availability against Liverpool due to a knee injury. The severity is unclear, but there is hope it won’t be a long-term issue.
Jesus had already dropped to the bench for Arsenal’s previous match against Fulham last Sunday, coming on as a substitute.
Other than Nketiah keeping his place over Jesus, you wouldn’t expect too many changes to Mikel Arteta’s favoured starting lineup in the Premier League.
The team have just had a week off after the Fulham game, and they’ll have a winter break following the Liverpool fixture.
Combine that with the fact the team are looking to end a run of defeats, and it’s likely the Gunners will go strong on Sunday afternoon.
Jurrien Timber injury update
Arsenal’s summer signing Jurrien Timber, who arrived from Ajax for £34 million, is making positive progress in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained on his Premier League debut in August.
The 22-year-old defender, versatile in playing both right and left-back positions, had shown promise during pre-season and was expected to play a significant role in Arsenal’s campaign before the injury.
In a recent interview on Arsenal’s show ‘The Breakdown Live’, Timber shared insights into his recovery journey. “I’m making good progress,” he stated, expressing hope to return before the season’s end. “It won’t be the whole season [out], I hope, I know it’s going well.
“It’s hard at the same time, but I’m doing my best, working hard, and just enjoying being busy.”
His involvement in training sessions alongside the team has been a source of motivation and ease during his rehabilitation.
Timber also spoke highly of the team’s environment, highlighting the lack of egos and the strong connection between players, club, and fans. “It makes it easier, I see them every day on the training ground,” Timber said. “I basically train the same time as them, it makes it easier.
“The boys are fun, it’s a young squad, and even the older guys are fun so I stay connected with them and I see them every day. For me that makes it so much easier to do my rehab well.”
Mikel Arteta also shared his views on Timber’s adaptation and recovery process recently.
In his pre-Brentford press conference, Arteta praised Timber’s integration and character.
“Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant,” Arteta described Timber’s impact on the team, both in training and playing environments.
He also lauded Timber for how he has handled his challenging period post-injury.
Despite Timber’s progress and outdoor activities, Arteta indicated that the defender is still some way from returning to competitive action.
“He’s still a bit far from competing but he’s in a good place,” Arteta noted.
Recent reports suggested that Timber might not be fit until pre-season, but the player’s and manager’s comments indicate a hopeful outlook for an earlier return.
Timber’s recovery and eventual return are eagerly anticipated by the club and fans alike, as Arsenal continue their quest for their first league title since 2004.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Fabio Vieira has undergone an operation on his groin, ruling the midfielder out until after the winter break in the new year.
Speaking to the press ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League game against RC Lens which will see them win the group if they collect all three points, Arteta confirmed the news.
“Yeah we’ve got a problem with him,” Arteta said. “He’s been having some discomfort. We sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin. He did that yesterday. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break.”
Positive news on Ben White
As for Ben White, the news was more positive.
“He trained the day before the Brentford game and was feeling good I think he’ll be available for this game,” Arteta said. “That’s very good news for us.”
Arsenal will also welcome back David Raya who missed the win against Brentford due to Premier League loan rules.
However, Emile Smith Rowe remains sidelined, with a potential return within a fortnight, but not for the upcoming match.
Reports of an early comeback for Jurrien Timber have also been dismissed; his recovery is progressing well but not ahead of schedule.
Thomas Partey is also still absent, with no definite timeline for his return.
Asked about Smith Rowe and Partey at his pre-Lens press conference, and if they could be back before the winter break, Arteta said, “It is a possibility. Emile has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer. Thomas the same. We need them to be back at their best.”
He added when asked about the midfield being light, “We’ve been very unlucky with some of the injuries. We’re not the only club with injuries. Where it happens is a bit critical. The team needs to adapt.”
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