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With the group stage of the World Cup nearing completion, one stat has emerged which will be welcomed by fans of Liverpool and Arsenal.
It has been revealed that outfield players from those two clubs have played significantly fewer minutes at the World Cup than those from rival 'Big Six' teams.
Seven Liverpool players were included in their respective national squads for the tournament; Alisson, Fabinho (both Brazil), Ibrahima Konate (France), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson (both England), Darwin Nunez (Uruguay) and Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands).
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Meanwhile, 10 Arsenal players were called up for Qatar 2022; Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli (both Brazil), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), William Saliba (France), Matt Turner (USA), Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Bukayo Saka (all England) and Thomas Partey (Ghana).
Liverpool and Arsenal handed boost
According to journalist Ben Browning, outfield players from Liverpool and Arsenal have played significantly less minutes than those from Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.
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Prior to Thursday's games, Browning tweeted: "Outfield minutes played so far this WC* by the Premier League big 6.
"Manchester City: 2327, Manchester United: 1790, Tottenham: 1624, Chelsea:, 1489, Liverpool: 771, Arsenal: 612.
"Looking good for Arsenal and Liverpool at the moment. *Not including stoppage time."
It is a welcome boost for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who looks set to have a much fresher squad than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola when the Premier League title race resumes on Boxing Day.
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It is also positive news for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who will be determined to secure a top four finish this season.
Liverpool are currently sixth in the table after an inconsistent start to the campaign, seven points adrift of the Champions League places.
Topics: Liverpool, Arsenal, Football World Cup, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan