Liverpool vs Arsenal: Why are Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber Not playing for the Gunners Today? Mikel Arteta Reveals

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Arsenal are up against Liverpool in the Premier League today and the Gunners are missing a couple of players from the squad.

Arsenal have been Liverpool's closest rivals for the Premier League as the Reds won the crown under Arne Slot this season.

As the two clubs play an important match at the Anfield, Mikel Arteta has been crippled with the absence of two key players.

Both Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are out of the squad for the North London club and the duo are not even on the bench. Rice has been a force for them this season while Timber has also been a regular for Arteta.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Why is Declan Rice not Playing Today for Arsenal?

After Arsenal's midweek exit from the Champions League semifinal against PSG, Arteta has lost two of his key players as the club approaches for the flag end of the season. As fans wondered why Rice and Timber are missing, Arteta confirmed that both of them are not fit.

"Him [Declan Rice] and Jurrien are not fit - Declan couldn't even train so he's injured unfortunately and couldn't make the game," Mikel Arteta said ahead of the match.

Arsenal have named Ben White as a replacement for Timber, while Mikel Merino has been slotted in the midfield as Leandro Trossard starts as striker at Anfield. In the race for the 2nd spot, Arsenal have gained a significant boost with two results.

On Saturday, Man City drew blank against Southampton, and then Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday. If the Gunners win this match against the newly crowned Champions,they will go five points clear for the 2nd spot.