Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu set to miss FA Cup tie vs Liverpool

Arsenal are set to be without the services of midfielder Mohamed Elneny and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for the FA Cup third round clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners host Jurgen Klopp’s side in the FA Cup tie on Sunday evening and they will be aiming to return to winning ways on the back of successive Premier League defeats.

Ahead of the game, they could be without two players due to international commitments. Elneny has already travelled to Egypt ahead of their African Cup of Nations campaign in the Ivory Coast.

Tomiyasu is currently with the first-team squad, but he is anticipated to leave on Friday with Japan scheduled to hold their first training session on Saturday in preparation for the Asian Cup.

The Asian giants also plan to hold a behind doors friendly against Jordan on Tuesday.

Arsenal must beat Liverpool in FA Cup third round tie

The Gunners had a dismal month of December in the Premier League. The club dropped 11 points and they are now fourth in the table, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

This weekend’s game is a must-win to regain form and confidence. The Reds will also be without Mohamed Salah due to AFCON duty, but they still have a strong squad at their disposal.

Elneny’s absence may not be a huge concern for the Gunners but Tomiyasu will be missed. With Oleksandr Zinchenko doubtful with a calf injury, the club are short in the left-back department.

Jakub Kiwior struggled in the opening half against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Tomiyasu replaced him at the half-time interval and would surely start this weekend if he is available for selection.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners can convince the Japanese Football Association to delay Tomiyasu’s arrival for the training camp. As things stand, he is due to depart on Friday.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com