Premier League giants Liverpool were handed a massive boost for the weekend encounter against Arsenal as the Gunners’ star defender Hector Bellerin has been ruled out of the clash on Saturday.
Arsenal has been going through a great run of form at the moment as Unai Emery’s side have managed to win 11 out of their last 12 games. Even though Arsenal’s most recent game was a 2-2 draw against London rivals Crystal Palace, the North London giants have gone on a 12 game unbeaten streak.
But that streak will be put to a thorough test this weekend when Arsenal hosts the high flying Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are currently 2nd on the Premier League table but joint top with Manchester City on points.
The Merseyside club is title contenders and Arsenal will be a massive hurdle if the European heavyweights are to make a push for the title this season. Liverpool will also be glad to know that Arsenal will be without star defender Hector Bellerin on the weekend.
The 23-year-old youngster has grown immensely under Emery and is finally living up to his potential, contributing a great deal over the past few games. The right-back was also one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season and Bellerin’s absence could really haunt Arsenal on Saturday.
Bellerin’s injury means veteran Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner would have to fill in the right-back slot and although the 34-year-old does have the experience of playing at the top level, he will be up against a Liverpool attack that has some blistering pace in the form of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool will look to take advantage of Lichtsteiner on Saturday on Arsenal’s right-hand side of the pitch and Arsenal fans should be considerably worried. The fiery trio of Firmino, Salah and Mane could be too hot to handle for the 34-year-old defender if he gets drawn one on one with either of the Liverpool attackers.
