Arsenal injury list & expected return dates ahead of Liverpool clash: updates on Timber, Tomiyasu & more

Football fans will be treated to a festive special this weekend when league leaders Arsenal take on second place Liverpool. Both teams will see the game as a crucial chance to gain further momentum in the title race as Manchester City compete in Saudi Arabia this weekend for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Arsenal are the early pacesetters in the division with a one point gap over Liverpool heading into the game at Anfield. The Gunners 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 a struggling Sheffield United side on Friday night.

Arsenal will hope to name their strongest team for the encounter but are missing a few key players for the clash. With that in mind London World has rounded up the latest news from the Arsenal treatment table - including a crucial update to a key player. 

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 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.

Estimate 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 Vieira: 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)