Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice trained on Friday and could be available for Arsenal's Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Calafiori was a surprise absentee from Arsenal's starting lineup last weekend as the Gunners beat Everton 2-0 at home. The Italian defender came on late in that victory but picked up a minor injury, which then saw him miss Arsenal's shock defeat to Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Declan Rice and Noni Madueke were also absent from that loss to Fleetwood after both picked up minor injuries against Everton.
Arteta Confirms Training Return
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: 'They all trained today. They will train tomorrow and if all is okay, they will be available.'
Madueke's involvement is less clear, with a decision to be made after training on Saturday. 'We don't know yet, we have a training session tomorrow, let's see if he can complete it,' Arteta said of the England winger.
Tzolis Could Return
Arteta also revealed that Christos Tzolis could be available for Sunday's match after training on Friday. The winger has missed Arsenal's last six matches with a hamstring injury.
William Saliba and Bukayo Saka remain sidelined with longer-term injuries, while Max Dowman is suspended after being sent off against Fleetwood.
Dowman Appeal Rejected
Arsenal's appeal against the red card was rejected, with Arteta expressing his frustration: 'Very disappointed to be fair especially with the reckless tackle that he received. His reaction is minimal in compared to the action.'
'It is what it is, we have put every argument on the table to make a case for it, not only [was] Max's action is clear, obviously we have a very different opinion, you have to read into the context, the age, the player. It could have been really bad and we're really lucky today that he doesn't have a broken foot.'
