Liverpool and Arsenal may have to face each other in the FA Cup clash without a total of 16 players, as both teams continue to suffer from growing injury lists.

Liverpool will be without several players as they prepare to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round on Sunday

Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool

Liverpool and Arsenal could be without a combined 16 players for their FA Cup clash on Sunday.

The Reds travel to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend as the Premier League leaders look to compete on four fronts, having reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals and round of 16 in the Europa League. It would be viewed as another statement result if Liverpool can get the better of their title rivals in the famous cup competition, but it is likely to be two much-changed sides that take to the field in north London, this weekend.

Liverpool have been impacted by the upcoming AFCON and Asian Cup competitions, with Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah signing off in the win over Newcastle on Monday. Arsenal will also be without Japan’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, while Thomas Partey missed out on a place in Ghana’s AFCON squad as he recovers from thigh surgery.

Liverpool have been battling with a growing injury list over the festive period and were dealt another blow on New Year’s Day as Dominik Szoboszlai picked up a hamstring issue. Jurgen Klopp explained that the club are waiting to learn the extent of the injury but he could be added to the Reds’ existing absentees in midfield.

Both Thiago Alcantrara and Stefan Bajcetic have been sidelined throughout the season, despite the latter making a brief return earlier in the campaign. Thiago is recovering from hip surgery, while Bajcetic has been contending with growth issues. Young winger Ben Doak is also dealing with a lateral meniscus injury, which required surgery.

In defence, Joel Matip will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury in Liverpool’s win over Fulham. At left-back, Andy Robertson continues to be sidelined after dislocating his shoulder, while Kostas Tsimikas is also out after breaking his collarbone.

In terms of Arsenal’s injury list, Mikel Arteta has a trio of doubts ahead of his side’s clash with Liverpool. Bukayo Saka has continued to play, despite a reported Achilles problem, and could be rested. Similarly, Ben White started Arsenal’s recent defeat to Fulham but has been managing a knee injury, while a calf complaint saw Oleksandr Zinchenko left out of the matchday squad at Craven Cottage.

The Gunners will be without midfielder Fabio Vieira against Liverpool as he continues to recover from groin surgery. Meanwhile, defender Jurrien Timber is a more long-term absentee after suffering an ACL injury on his Premier League debut, though the Dutchman could still return before the end of the season.