Liverpool receive boost as star playmaker left out of Arsenal squad

Mesut Ozil

Liverpool defenders will be breathing a sigh of relief after learning that Arsenal’s star playmaker Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Arsenal squad which takes on the Reds today.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger looked set to rush Ozil back to the squad due to a selection crisis, despite Ozil only joining pre-season training last week. However the experinced French tactician has resisted the urge to field the Germany international who is yet to play a game since Euro 2016.

Meanwhile, Liverpool welcome back Emre Can who starts on the bench after only managing first half displays over the pre-season. The 22-year-old joined pre-season training late following a lengthy Euro 2016 campaign.

Liverpool have won just the once in their last 20 visits to face the Gunners but will be facing a weakened back-line this time around.

Arsenal v Liverpool

Stadium: Emirates

Kick-Off: 16:00 GMT

Arsenal confirmed starting lineup:
Cech; Bellerin, Holding, Chambers, Monreal; Elneny, Coquelin; Iwobi, Ramsey, Walcott; Sanchez
Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Wilshere, Xhaka, Cazorla, Chamberlain, Akpom
Manager: Arsene Wenger

Liverpool Confirmed starting lineup:
Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Mane, Firmino
Subs: Manninger, Can, Origi, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Stewart, Grujic
Manager: Jurgen Klopp