Arsenal team news vs Liverpool as Gabriel Jesus absence confirmed and Ramsdale decision made
Gabriel Jesus misses out on Arsenal's FA Cup third round clash with Liverpool due to a minor injury. The Brazilian had been a doubt going into the game after missing a training session prior to the match and is not deemed fit to start. The knee problem is not thought to be serious however.
He is replaced up front by Kai Havertz. That means that Eddie Nketiah is dropped to the bench. The 24-year-old failed to impress against Fulham in the 2-1 defeat on New Year's Eve but has an impressive record in the FA Cup with four goals. Nketiah has been at the centre of transfer speculation this week, with Crystal Palace interested in his signature. Havertz, meanwhile, starts up front for the first time since the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in August.
Aaron Ramsdale has also been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this January after losing his starting place to David Raya. The England international is given the start in this cup competition ahead of the Spaniard though, and will be hoping to extend what is probably his best shot at first team football between now and then of the season as things stand.
In midfield Jorginho is technically the man to replace Nketiah. He comes in to play the No.6 role, while Declan Rice is pushed further up alongside Martin Odegaard.
In the forward line Reiss Nelson is in for Gabriel Martinelli. It's the Hale Ender's first start since last month's Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven. He's on the left, while Bukayo Saka starts on the right despite an ongoing Achilles niggle.
Gabriel Jesus out of Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Liverpool as new knee injury emerges
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE — Gabriel Jesus injury, Kylian Mbappe boost, Ivan Toney message
Ben White
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