(Reuters) – Arsenal are struggling to adapt after dropping a number of gamers to a mix of accidents, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and COVID-19, however the staff is making ready as finest they’ll to face Liverpool within the League Cup, supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned.
Arsenal face Liverpool within the first leg of their cup semi-final on Thursday and might be with out midfielders Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, and Nicolas Pepe who’re on worldwide responsibility in Africa.
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can also be in Africa however has COVID-19.
Arsenal are additionally nonetheless awaiting affirmation that Granit Xhaka has recovered from the identical sickness, whereas Emile Smith Rowe is carrying an harm and is a doubt for the Liverpool sport.
“It’s extraordinarily risky and unsure,” Arteta informed a information convention on Wednesday. “In the final week or so we misplaced so many gamers for a lot of causes and we’re trying to adapt to that.
“There have been totally different causes — some accidents, some COVID and a few at AFCON. What I really need this month is that now we have as many gamers match and wholesome and we do as a lot as doable with these gamers.”
Arteta acknowledged there was a risk the cup tie might be referred to as off however mentioned Arsenal have been keen to play the match.
“You can by no means assure something as a result of that this modifications dramatically in 10 seconds. Our willingness is at all times to play,” he mentioned.
The supervisor mentioned the membership have been wanting to strengthen within the January including that he was assured they may appeal to the gamers they wanted, whereas confirming that ahead Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t be leaving on this switch window.
“Historically this membership has at all times been focusing on the very best gamers on the planet they usually have been at all times to come right here. I can say that hasn’t modified,” Arteta mentioned.
“Every time I’ve spoken to a participant they have been so keen to come. That’s a giant benefit for us.”
Arsenal are presently fourth within the league after a run of 4 wins and one defeat of their final 5 video games.
(Reporting by Silvia Recchimuzzi in Gdansk, modifying by Pritha Sarkar)
