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Commentator believes Arsenal defender will struggle against Liverpool

Theo Walcott believes that Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori will struggle against Mohamed Salah

With Mikel Arteta left disappointed against Bournemouth, Arsenal still sit third in the Premier League just three points short of second-placed Manchester City.

One of the major causes of their loss was definitely William Saliba’s red card in the 30th minute. The Gunners played one man down for over 60 minutes ending the match in a 2-0 loss.

This was Arsenal’s first Premier League loss this season as Arteta will prepare to play without Saliba in three upcoming domestic fixtures.

The Frenchman was given a three-match ban which he’ll serve after the next fixture, starting against Liverpool at the Emirates. Luckily for The Gunners, the 23-year-old defender will be eligible to play their upcoming game.

Arsenal host Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk at home for a UEFA Champions League clash. The Gunners drew their first Champions League match against Atalanta but won at home against PSG netting two.

Their carelessness against Atalanta will come to bite them back if they fail to secure a win against Shakhtar. Saliba was sent off in a domestic fixture hence, he’ll only be serving his ban in England.

Likewise, if any player gets suspended in a European competition, they’ll only serve it in a non-domestic fixture. Although William will be there against the Miners, Arteta will have to confirm a player at centre half in the following fixtures.

Former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott thinks Calafiori will struggle against Mohamed Salah

Oleksandr Zinchenko has also struggled against Salah on the left flank

Oleksandr Zinchenko has also struggled against Salah on the left flank

While talking to Sky Sports, former Arsenal striker and now commentator Theo Walcott was concerned with Calafiori playing on the left flank against Liverpool.

The former England international believes the Italian defender will struggle against Salah’s pace. Riccardo has successfully played in the centre for both Bologna and the Italian national team.

Walcott feels the 22-year-old must be the one to replace Saliba in the centre. The former striker is of the opinion that someone more experienced like Oleksandr Zinchenko must start on the left flank instead.

I would probably move Calafiori in, I would be worried about Salah’s pace against him because Calafiori isn’t the fastest.

And maybe bring in the experience of Zinchenko. They might need more of a talker, someone who knows this sort of fixture and the importance of it. Mikel knows that. It is one of those where they really need to get a result.

-Theo Walcott via Sky Sports

However, Jamie Redknapp later pointed out that the Ukrainian full-back has also had his struggles against Mohamad Salah. Both then agreed that Arsenal must bring back Jurrien Timber on the left to counter Salah’s pace.

Zinchenko had a lot of problems against Salah last year. Just having that one player not available disrupts everything.

-Jamie Redknapp via Sky Sports