Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign on Sunday as the reigning champions travel to Anfield
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt to face Liverpool
View Image
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces an anxious wait over Riccardo Calafiori's fitness ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield. football.london understands the Italian defender is a major doubt for the trip to Merseyside, although the precise nature of his injury remains unclear.
Calafiori was a surprise omission from Arsenal's starting lineup against Everton and managed just 22 minutes after coming on. His physical struggles forced Noni Madueke to finish the encounter at left-back, with the Italian unable to carry out certain movements comfortably.
The defender was subsequently seen clutching his hip and stomach, raising concerns that he sustained an injury following an accidental collision with an Everton player. With Sunday's heavyweight encounter approaching, there are growing fears that Calafiori may not recover in time.
Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.
Arsenal latest: Viktor Gyokeres handed transfer verdict as PSG decision made
Tzolis, Calafiori, Rice, Saliba, Saka, Madueke - Arsenal injury updates and return dates
Arteta will be desperate to have as many first-team players available as possible, particularly after Arsenal suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Fleetwood Town. The Gunners crashed out following a 5-3 penalty shootout defeat and will now be determined to respond against one of their biggest Premier League title rivals.
However, Calafiori is far from the only injury concern troubling the Arsenal boss. Bukayo Saka is facing a considerably longer spell on the sidelines.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
The England winger is not expected to return until early December at the earliest after sustaining a quadriceps injury, leaving Arteta without one of his most influential attacking players.
William Saliba is another significant absentee. Although the French centre-back is making encouraging progress in his recovery, Arsenal are expected to take a cautious approach and delay his return until after the international break.
There are also questions surrounding Mikel Merino's fitness after the Spanish midfielder unexpectedly missed the trip to Fleetwood.
Merino had initially been expected to feature in the Carabao Cup encounter but was ultimately left out of the travelling squad because of illness. Arteta opted to give him additional recovery time in the hope that he would be ready for the Liverpool match.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke were both absent from the midweek defeat to Fleetwood, although there is optimism surrounding their availability for Sunday's clash. Rice appeared to suffer a hamstring problem during the second half against Everton and was spotted holding the back of his right thigh before being substituted.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Nevertheless, the England international was pictured participating in Arsenal's training session on Monday, offering encouragement that his setback is not serious. Madueke, meanwhile, missed the cup fixture because of an ankle injury.
Both players are expected to be available for the Liverpool encounter, provided they avoid any further complications.
Christos Tzolis could provide Arsenal with a timely boost as he continues working towards a return from a hamstring injury sustained while representing Greece on international duty.
As previously reported by football.london, Tzolis has an outside chance of featuring against Liverpool, potentially marking his first appearance since the international break. Although he has not yet been publicly spotted participating in team training, that does not necessarily mean he has been absent from group sessions.
Much of his rehabilitation has taken place at Arsenal's London Colney training complex, where he has remained close to the first-team squad.
Arteta must also contend with the potential absence of Max Dowman, who is currently suspended after receiving a straight red card for violent conduct during the defeat to Fleetwood. The Gunners submitted an appeal to the Football Association in an attempt to overturn the decision, but it has since been rejected.
Article continues below
Arsenal will be eager to put their cup disappointment behind them and strengthen their Premier League title ambitions, but their chances of securing a vital three points at Anfield could depend heavily on how many of their injured stars recover in time.