Arteta receives huge Timber update: Arsenal injury list & expected return dates ahead of Liverpool clash

The latest mouthwatering item on the football menu is a top of the table festive Premier League clash between league leaders Arsenal and a resurgent Liverpool team.

The Gunners are the early pacesetters in the division with a one point gap over their Merseyside counterparts heading into the game at Anfield. The North London giants need a victory to ensure that they enter Christmas at the top of the table for the second year running, although surprise-package Aston Villa will also be watching the game closely as they play host to Sheffield United.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool will have high hopes of winning the league title this season and the two clubs will both be aware of the importance of this top of the table clashes after near misses in the title race in seasons gone by. The two high-flying clubs know that the league title is decided by fine margins and will look to name their best possible team for the clash at Anfield.

With that in mind, 3 Added Minutes has rounded up all the  Arsenal injury news and the estimated comeback dates for some of the team’s key figures.

Arsenal injury list for game against Liverpool

Jurrien Timber: Out

Arsenal were amongst the biggest spenders in the league during the summer and have felt the benefit of signings such as Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

The Gunners also brought in versatile Dutch defender Jurrien Timber for a fee of £38m. Timber was seen as a useful addition to cover for any potential injuries which derailed the club’s title push last term but sustained an ACL injury on the opening day of the season.Timber was expected to miss most of the campaign with the injury but fresh reports from Football.London now claim he could return as soon as February.

Estimated comeback date: Porto vs Arsenal (21 February)

Mohamed Elneny: Out

Mohamed Elneny sustained a hamstring injury during his side’s stalemate with PSV Eindhoven. The Egyptian is expected to miss the trip to Anfield but may return before the end of 2023.

Estimated comeback date: Arsenal vs West Ham (28 December)

Takehiro Tomiyasu: Out

Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a reliable squad player in recent seasons. He will miss most of the Christmas period with a calf problem and an exact timeline on his return has not yet been determined.

Estimated comeback date: Unknown

Thomas Partey: Out

Thomas Partey was briefly used at right back at the start of the season but has struggled with a thigh injury for a number of months. The midfielder is expected to be out until the end of January at the earliest.

Estimated comeback date: late January

Fabio Vieria: Out

Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira has struggled for first team football this season. He is out with a groin problem which will keep him out until the end of January.

Estimated comeback date: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (20 January)