The matchday squad unveiled by Premier League giants Arsenal to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday features a number of altogether noteworthy takeaways.

The first comes in the form of the inclusion of midfield standout Thomas Partey.

Former Atletico Madrid man Partey was of course playing his part at the African Cup of Nations until just this past Tuesday, when Ghana were unceremoniously sent packing from the group stages owing to a 3-2 defeat to Comoros.

In turn, it has come as nothing short of a shock to see the 28-year-old, just 48 hours on, named on the Gunners’ bench:

Turning attentions towards absentees, on the other hand, all of Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares will sit out the action at the Emirates, owing to respective injury problems.

Shot-stopper Leno has picked up a back issue, whilst defenders Cedric and Chambers miss out with hip and neck problems respectively.

Cup glory eyed

Arsenal welcome Liverpool to north London this evening aware that nothing but a victory will suffice, amid the club’s efforts to add to their silverware collection this season.

This comes with the Gunners having been ousted from the FA Cup at the first hurdle, owing to a surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest, and long out of what is quickly becoming a one-horse race for the Premier League title.

Their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, as things stand, sits on a knife-edge, after Mikel Arteta’s troops stood tall in the face of adversity at Anfield last week, to eventually come away with a credible 0-0 draw.

Arsenal squad for Liverpool clash unveils massive midfield boost & triple injury blow

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 13: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives treatment on the field during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on January 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The winners of Thursday’s clash will go head-to-head with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea for the League Cup crown, after the Blues made short work of Tottenham in their own final-4 tie.

 

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