Liverpool handed major boost ahead of Arsenal game

Saturday evening's clash between Liverpool and Arsenal might have been billed as a potential title decider a few months back.

Before the turn of the year, both teams were tipped to be in the thick of a title race towards the end of the season. But with the destiny of the league title firmly in Chelsea's hands, it now seems highly unlikely that either of these sides will finish the season as champions. This said, the result of the match at Anfield could have huge implications for both teams' hopes of finishing in the top four. Having lost back to back games against Watford and Chelsea, Arsenal's win over Hull in their last match leaves them in fourth, one point ahead of Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp's men failed to overtake Arsenal by losing 2-0 at Leicester on Monday night and remain in fifth - still with just six points to show for their efforts in 2017. However, Liverpool have been boosted ahead of the game with the news that Mesut Özil will be absent for Arsenal. According to Goal, the German international hasn't traveled to Merseyside after suffering from the flu this week. After leaving training on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger had appeared to suggest in his pre-match press conference that the former Real Madrid midfielder would be available. That now appears not to be the case.