Arsenal set for triple injury boost as Rice and Madueke eye Anfield return
Arsenal could have three key players back in contention for Sunday's trip to Liverpool, with Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Christos Tzolis all working their way back towards fitness ahead of the Anfield clash, according to the Evening Standard.
The trip to Merseyside has taken on added significance following the midweek Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood, where Max Dowman was shown a straight red card, adding to Mikel Arteta's selection headaches in wide areas. Arsenal are set to appeal the dismissal in the hope that the three match suspension is overturned before the weekend, though the timeframe for any FA verdict remains unclear.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
Madueke and Rice both absent at Fleetwood
Madueke missed the squad entirely against Fleetwood, with Arteta confirming afterwards that the winger has been managing an ankle issue. The problem is not believed to be serious, and there is optimism within the club that Madueke will be available to start on the right wing at Anfield.
Rice also missed out after withdrawing from the matchday squad altogether. The midfielder was substituted in the second half of last weekend's win over Everton having felt tightness in his hamstring, and while he was always expected to be rested for the Fleetwood tie, that discomfort was enough to keep him out completely.
Arsenal have been cautious with Rice's workload throughout the season, with the midfielder having already withdrawn from the most recent England squad to manage his fitness. The free midweek is hoped to have given him enough time to recover in time to face Liverpool.
Tzolis and Saliba also progressing
Tzolis could also be in contention after nearing the end of his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Greece almost a month ago. The Fleetwood match came too early for him, but if he gets through first team training in the coming days there is a chance he could be involved at Anfield.
There has also been encouraging progress from William Saliba, who is yet to play this season after it was decided in the summer that a prolonged spell on the sidelines was necessary to overcome a long term back injury. Saliba has spent the last three weeks doing individual work on the grass and is edging closer to rejoining first team training. Should that process pass without any setbacks, he could be back in the matchday squad before the international break.
Arsenal will be looking to respond quickly from the cup setback as they head to Anfield for what is shaping up to be a significant test of where Arteta's side stand against one of their main rivals.
