Both Arsenal and Liverpool will generally be pleased with how things have been going as they enter the final international break of 2018.

The Gunners are currently on an unbeaten run of 16 games following their draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers as Unai Emery appears to have got the side playing well, although there is still a case of room for improvement.

Jurgen Klopp’s side remain unbeaten themselves in the Premier League, however, they were on the end of a shock defeat to Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League that the German manager will want to be addressed by his stars as quickly as possible.

However, both managers have the likes of Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge on the periphery, although the pair have proven to be important to their efforts in recent times.

Danny Welbeck

The England international picked up an unfortunate injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League a week ago and is likely to miss a lot of the remaining season.

The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium, which has limited the impact he would have liked to have made in an Arsenal shirt.

When fit, he has also struggled to be a starter during his time at Arsenal, his cause this season has not been helped with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette appearing to excel under Emery.

There is no doubt that if Welbeck did not suffer his most recent setback, he would have been an important member of the Spaniard’s squad and one that the manager would have been able to rely upon as they compete in a number of competitions.

TT Grade: B-

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge appears to have been able to have a second chance at Liverpool this season after spending time away at West Bromwich Albion on loan last year.

The England man has been blighted by injuries during his stay at Anfield, having started on fine for the Anfield outfit before having to spend a significant period of time on the sidelines.

However, he appears to have been able to put all that behind him recently after he has come up with a couple of important goals for the Reds, including a screamer against Chelsea to rescue a draw in the Premier League, as well as the opener against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The 29-year-old looks fit and ready to play an important part in Klopp’s side, although he will likely remain behind the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Xherdan Shaqiri at times.

But, a recent scandal regarding a possible breach on betting regulations could go against him, and if found guilty, that could seriously derail his and Liverpool’s season.

TT Grade: B+

TT Verdict:

Both players have been important to their relative sides as an impact substitute, however, both could be about to be hurt by their own current situations and be a loss to their sides.

Welbeck’s latest injury appears to be a serious one and is likely to miss the majority of the season as he will need to spend time on the sidelines.

Sturridge could see his campaign cut short if he is found guilty of a possible breach in the Football Association’s rules on betting.

However, the Liverpool man has been more clinical in front of goal recently and has already come up with some big strikes, which helps him win this battle of back-up strikers. Indeed, Emery must wish Sven Mislintat would buy him a striker of Sturridge's standing to have in reserve, as popular as Welbeck can be.

Arsenal and Liverpool fans – thoughts?