Arsenal
Arsenal have suffered a huge blow ahead of their Premier League trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with several first-team players ruled out and others doubtful.
The Premier League champions are second on 21 points from eight games, level with leaders Manchester City and behind only on goal difference.
Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori all missed Tuesday’s Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood Town.
Rice was substituted in the 80th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton after holding his hamstring, though Arteta described the issue as very small.
Madueke played all 90 minutes against Everton, but an ankle problem kept him out at Fleetwood and he was not seen in training on Monday.
READ MORE: Arsenal confirm defender has suffered recovery setback
The Sun’s Simon Collings reports that Rice, Madueke, Christos Tzolis and Mikel Merino are all expected to be fit, while Calafiori is a doubt.
Bukayo Saka remains out with the left quad injury he suffered against Bayern Munich, and Arteta has said his recovery will take weeks. William Saliba has yet to play this season because of a back injury.
Madueke’s fitness matters most on the right flank, where Arsenal have received a decision on 16-year-old Max Dowman.
Dowman was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the 85th minute at Fleetwood, after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a heavy challenge. Referee Michael Salisbury had no VAR to consult.
Fleetwood led through Aaron Loupalo-Bi in the 21st minute, and Viktor Gyokeres equalised in the 50th. The League Two side then won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The FA has now confirmed that Max Dowman will miss the trip to Anfield.
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An independent Regulatory Commission has dismissed Arsenal’s claims of both wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment over the 16-year-old’s red card against Fleetwood on Tuesday 27 October.
The FA said Dowman will be suspended for three matches. It added that the Commission’s written reasons will be published in due course.
🚨BREAKING: Arsenal’s appeal over Max Dowman’s red card has been rejected so he will be suspended for their next three Premier League games. https://t.co/AmLmHpN0Mk
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 29, 2026
Dowman will miss Liverpool away on 1 November, Hull City at home on 7 November and Newcastle United away on 21 November.
He will return against Manchester City on 29 November, and he remains available for the Champions League games at Slavia Prague on 4 November and at home to Borussia Dortmund on 24 November.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said the referee could not ignore Dowman’s kick-out, but that Neal’s challenge deserved at least a yellow card.
Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Arsenal Emirates Stadium
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Manchester United