Arsenal have received an encouraging boost ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool, with Noni Madueke spotted alongside his teammates in the city on Sunday morning.
The winger has been battling an ankle injury and missed Arsenal’s disappointing Carabao Cup defeat against Fleetwood Town in midweek.
However, his presence with the travelling squad suggests he remains in contention for today’s crucial encounter at Anfield, although a late fitness assessment could determine whether he is ready to start.
With Bukayo Saka unavailable and Max Dowman suspended, Mikel Arteta will be hoping Madueke can provide some much-needed options on the right side of Arsenal’s attack.
Madueke Faces Late Fitness Decision
The Evening Standard reports that Madueke joined his teammates on a walk around Liverpool city centre on Sunday morning, with the winger expected to undergo a late fitness test.
Speaking on Friday, Arteta explained:
“We’ll have a training session [on Saturday].”
“[We’ll] see if he can complete that full session and as I said, I will know whether he’s available or not.”
The situation is particularly important following the rejection of Arsenal’s appeal against Max Dowman’s red card, which has further restricted Arteta’s attacking options.
Madueke’s inclusion in the travelling group is encouraging, but supporters will have to wait until the confirmed team announcement at 3.15pm to discover whether he starts.
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Further Encouragement for Arsenal Ahead of Liverpool
There was more positive news for Arsenal, with Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori also pictured alongside the squad.
Both players had been fitness doubts, but Arteta confirmed on Friday that they had returned to training and could be available if they completed their final sessions without problems.
We previously discussed whether Tzolis would be fit to face Liverpool, and his potential return would offer Arteta another attacking option.
Declan Rice was not pictured during the morning walk, although he is still expected to be included in the squad.
With Arsenal able to move three points clear at the top following Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton, Arteta will be desperate to have as many of his key players available as possible.
If Madueke isn’t fit to start against Liverpool, who would you choose to replace him in Arsenal’s attack? Join the conversation in the comments below.
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