Arsenal are suffering from an injury crisis at fullback heading into the games against Blackpool and Liverpool.

Stephan Lichtsteiner is likely to be the only one fit to face the Tangerines this evening with Hector Bellerin a major doubt after being substituted at half-time in the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Spaniard has a muscular injury which is still being assessed by the medical staff ahead of the game against the Reds at the weekend. With Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac both already doubts with hamstring injuries, it means Granit Xhaka may have to start once more as an emergency left-back.

The Swiss international gave away a penalty when he fouled Wilfried Zaha for Palace’s second goal, but he also scored from a freekick during the match. If manager Unai Emery wants to move the 26-year-old back into midfield, he could opt for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The 21-year-old has recovered from a fractured fibula.

In other injury news, Mohamed Elneny is out for two weeks with a thigh injury and also won’t be available for selection. Centre-backs Laurent Koscielny (Achilles) and Konstantinos Mavrapanos (groin) are both expected to be back in full training next month.