Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following victory at the end of the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace
Liverpool take on Mikel Arteta's in-form defence
Arsenal host Liverpool in a crucial Premier League match on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners top of the table and eight players potentially unavailable for both sides
The New Year action continues as play host to in midweek Premier League action. It's a mouth-watering clash that will have huge implications on the title race, as well as the chance to qualify for the Champions League this season.
A late goal from a free-kick handed all three points to Liverpool last time, as got the better of . Since then, both teams have been on very different journeys with some fresh challenges ahead of them for the second half of the campaign.
Arsenal are clear favourites to win the title, having taken charge at the top of the table with an impressive run of form. Liverpool, on the other hand, experienced a drop in form since that win over the Gunners, but have built themselves back up to be in contention for the top four.
It sets up an intriguing meeting between the champions and, potential champions-elect, in another task for both sides to get through. Injuries and absences could play a large part in proceedings in north London so - with all that said - here's a close look at eight players who could miss out.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool runs off the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United1 of 8
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool runs off the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United
2. Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace2 of 8
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace
3. 3 of 8
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah won't be available for Liverpool while he participates in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His side have reached the quarter-final, where they take on Ivory Coast on Saturday, January 10.
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(Photo by Mohamed Tageldin / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images))
4. Cristhian Mosquera is another injury absentee for Arsenal. The centre-back picked up an ankle injury against Brentford in early December, which came as quite a blow.
As with Calafiori, Arteta said Mosquera won't be available against Liverpool, but is closing in on a possible return to action.
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(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
Alexander Isak of Liverpool leaves the game injured during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool5 of 8
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Liverpool leaves the game injured during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool
2. Wataru Endo of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool6 of 8
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool
3. Another star who is set for a spell on the side-lines is Giovanni Leoni. The defender picked up an unfortunate ACL injury early in his Liverpool career, and won't be back until next season.
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(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))
4. Youngster Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakout season at Arsenal, but that run in the team has been hit with a blow after picking up an ankle injury. The youngster is still recovering from the initial injury.
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(Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images))