Arsenal's right-wing options are stretched ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, with Bukayo Saka out through a quad injury and Max Dowman beginning a three-match suspension after an unsuccessful appeal against his red card against Fleetwood.
Manager Mikel Arteta gave little away on the fitness of Noni Madueke, who missed the Fleetwood match with an ankle issue. Asked about the winger's availability, Arteta said: "We don't know yet. We have a training session tomorrow. [Let's] see if he can complete that full session tomorrow, and after that we'll know whether he's available or not."
Madueke remains the preferred option
Madueke has impressed since the last international break, showing bright moments on both flanks. He was threatening against Everton and his cross helped Arsenal back into the game against Leeds earlier in the month. With Saka and Dowman unavailable, he is the only natural right winger in the squad.
The ankle issue is not believed to be serious, and there is an expectation that he will travel to Merseyside. However, Arteta indicated a final decision would be made after one more training session.
Tzolis and Havertz as alternatives
If Madueke is ruled out, Christos Tzolis could be considered, though he has not played a minute since suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece on October 1. He returned to full training on Friday, but starting him at Anfield would be a risk, and right wing is not his natural position.
All of Tzolis's Arsenal appearances have come on the left, the position he was signed for in the summer. However, he has played on the right before, scoring for Club Brugge against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last season, and has 26 career appearances as a right winger.
Should both Madueke and Tzolis be unavailable, Kai Havertz could be asked to fill in, drifting into central areas in possession and supporting Viktor Gyokeres, while contributing to the defensive shape out of possession. Arteta has often been reluctant to change formation, and Havertz is a player he trusts, even if his recent form has been poor.
