Arsenal will have a few key injury updates ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Sunday, but Mikel Arteta still has some tough choices to make in his front line.
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis have returned to training so there is hope they can play in the Premier League clash against Anfield.
Bukayo Saka is still out with a quad injury, but Noni Madueke looks to be fit to go into the final game. Max Dowman is also suspended after Arsenal were unable to overturn his red card suspension after the defeat to Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup.
However, Arteta has some good options to choose from. He can ill afford any more injuries in attack.
Arsenal could welcome three players back against Liverpool
Rice’s return will be key after missing the midweek cup clash.
The midfielder was subbed in the win against Everton with a knock. His absence was a blow against Fleetwood.
He trained on Friday. As long as he does another session on Saturday, he will be available. Rice is a big boost for Arsenal in the middle of the park as they face a Liverpool side who have been in good form recently.
Calafiori is also edging closer to a return. The Italian has played in the last seven Premier League games for Arsenal but missed against Everton.
However, he was only on for a short period when he came on as a sub. But he seemed to have an issue. Arteta said that it didn’t seem like a big problem, but they’re taking some caution.
Like Rice, Calafiori trained on Friday and will be able to go to Merseyside if he finishes his session on Saturday.
Tzolis is another possible addition. The winger has missed Arsenal’s last five matches after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Greece in October.
His latest scan showed encouraging progress, and he has now returned to training. A further successful session would put him in contention for Sunday’s match.
Madueke and Dowman leave Arteta short out wide
The main issue for Arteta will be his lack of attacking width.
Madueke did not join the squad for the trip to Fleetwood due to an ankle injury sustained in the Everton game. He did not train on Monday, but Arteta has not ruled him out of the game against Liverpool. He will have to finish his session on Saturday.
Dowman is also missing due to suspension. He was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Fleetwood after a challenge from Harrison Neal. His appeal was rejected by the FA, so he will miss the game against Liverpool.
Saka makes it even worse for the Gunners. The England international has a quad injury from the Bayern Munich game and is likely to be out for several weeks.
Arteta confirmed that he will need another scan before there is a clearer timeline for his return but is likely to be out for a long period of time.
Saliba recovery offers longer-term encouragement
William Saliba is still missing from the squad, having aggravated a back injury during his time playing for France at the World Cup this summer.
But the defender has returned to doing one-on-one training on the training ground.
Arsenal will perform an MRI scan to monitor his progress. Arteta has suggested there have been positive signs, and he is expected back in December.
The main talking point will be Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis returning to training ahead of Sunday.
It would give Arsenal a nice boost with all three players fit. Madueke is still a doubt and they have fewer options going forward with Saka and Dowman out.
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