Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta could have misplaced yet one more key determine because the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk got here at a value.
An personal purpose from Shakhtar goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk proved to be the distinction as he fumbled an effort from Gabriel Martinelli into the purpose, giving the Gunners their second Champions League win of the season.
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Leandro Trossard had a golden probability to double Arsenal’s benefit from the penalty spot within the second half however Riznyk redeemed himself with an enormous cease.
However Gunners followers could also be extra involved concerning the health of Riccardo Calafiori moderately than the outcome.
The Italian defender was compelled off within the second half after his knee turned inward when slipping over on the turf.
Calafiori seemed to be okay at first however was unable to proceed as Myles Lewis-Skelly got here on in his place within the 72nd minute.
Ben White additionally got here off through the recreation in opposition to Shakhtar however Arteta confirmed post-match his substitution was purely tactical because the defender he was on a yellow card.
The lack of Calafiori could be the very last thing Arteta wants given the membership’s worrying absentee listing forward of the crunch conflict in opposition to Liverpool on the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Star winger Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring damage whereas on worldwide obligation for England earlier in October.
Talking after the Shakhtar match, Arteta couldn’t provide any assurances concerning Saka’s return nor have been there any clear updates on Calafiori.
“I do not know as a result of he (Saka) wasn’t in a position to practice but in order that’s unlikely,” Arteta mentioned.
Relating to Calafiori, Arteta added: “With Riccy, he needed to come off as a result of he felt one thing. I do not know the extent of it but it surely’s not excellent news.”
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Arsenal will already be with out captain Martin Odegaard as he continues to get better from an ankle damage he picked up whereas enjoying for Norway in September.
Arteta can already plan with out William Saliba as he’s suspended because of the crimson card he picked up within the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth final weekend.
Jurrien Timber is one other damage concern given he didn’t make the bench for the Bournemouth or Shakhtar match.
Ought to Calafiori, Timber, Saka and Odegaard be unable to characteristic in opposition to Liverpool, it will depart Arteta with out 5 key gamers.
Given the razor-thin margins within the title race from earlier seasons, shedding 5 very important stars for the Liverpool recreation may show to be a killer blow within the Gunners’ title hopes.
Liverpool sit prime of the Premier League on 21 factors whereas Arsenal are in third on 17.
A win for Arne Slot’s facet would give them a sizeable hole over Arsenal within the ladder, whereas the latter may drop to as little as sixth by the tip of the matchweek.
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Aston Villa, Brighton and Chelsea sit on 17, 15 and 14 factors respectively, though the Blues share the identical purpose distinction as Arsenal of +7.
Nevertheless, Arteta issued a warning to anybody who’s writing his group off forward of Liverpool’s go to.
“Consider me, on Sunday we might be flying,” Arteta mentioned in his press convention.
