Arsenal have received encouraging injury news ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, with Declan Rice and Noni Madueke both expected to be available for selection.
The pair missed Tuesday’s shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town, but their absences are not currently expected to prevent them from featuring at Anfield.
According to football.london, both players should recover in time for the weekend, provided they suffer no further setbacks.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after the penalty shootout defeat that Rice and Madueke had been dealing with fitness problems.
“Calafiori was out, Noni was out with an ankle and Declan was finished with a problem the other day. That’s why I had to substitute him,” Arteta explained.
Rice was withdrawn during Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, although he subsequently participated in training on Monday.
The England international’s involvement in that session offers encouragement that his problem is not serious enough to keep him out of Sunday’s encounter.
Madueke, meanwhile, was absent from the travelling squad against Fleetwood because of an ankle issue.
His anticipated return would provide another attacking option for Arteta, particularly with Bukayo Saka still recovering from the injury he sustained against Bayern Munich.
However, Arsenal face greater uncertainty over Riccardo Calafiori, who is considered doubtful for the Liverpool fixture.
The Italian defender appeared to suffer a problem following a collision after coming off the bench against Everton.
He was seen holding his hip and side during the encounter, although the precise nature of the injury has not been disclosed.
Calafiori subsequently missed the Fleetwood defeat, and concerns remain over whether he will recover sufficiently before Sunday’s match.
His potential absence could leave Arteta with another defensive selection decision as Arsenal prepare to face Andoni Iraola’s side.
The Gunners are looking to respond after their unexpected elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres cancelled out Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s opener on Tuesday, but Arsenal failed to secure victory before losing 5-3 on penalties.
The defeat was compounded by Max Dowman’s late red card, which Arsenal have decided to appeal.
Arteta will nevertheless hope to have a stronger squad available against Liverpool as Arsenal resume their Premier League title defence.
The Gunners have not won a league match at Anfield since September 2012, making Sunday’s encounter another significant challenge.
Rice and Madueke’s expected availability would therefore represent a timely boost, although their fitness will need to be assessed before the weekend.