Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday for one of their toughest tests of the season so far, with Mikel Arteta hoping for positive injury news ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka is unavailable due to a quad injury, while Noni Madueke missed the shock defeat to Fleetwood in midweek because of an ankle issue. That injury is not believed to be serious, and it is hoped the winger will be fit to face Liverpool.
Suspension and doubts
Madueke's availability is particularly significant given Max Dowman is suspended after his red card against Fleetwood. Arsenal will appeal that decision, but there is no guarantee a verdict is reached before Sunday's match.
Christos Tzolis is closing in on a return to action, though it remains to be seen whether this match comes too soon. Both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were incredibly poor against Fleetwood, and neither has done enough to suggest they should be starting up front. Havertz in particular had an awful night in the cup upset, but Arteta often turns to the German in the biggest matches.
Midfield and defence concerns
Declan Rice was absent against Fleetwood after holding his hamstring before coming off against Everton last weekend. However, there is optimism he will be in the squad at Anfield.
Riccardo Calafiori also missed that match with the injury he picked up in the closing stages of the win over the Toffees. Arsenal have not yet confirmed the severity of that problem, but he is a doubt for the Liverpool match, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could be brought in to cover at left-back.
Predicted lineup
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Guimaraes; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz.
Injured: Saliba, Saka. Doubts: Calafiori, Rice, Madueke, Tzolis. Suspended: Dowman.
The match kicks off at 8pm GMT on Sunday November 1, 2026, at Anfield, and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
