Story by
Arsenal dealt multiple injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash
- Story by
- Arsenal dealt multiple injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash
Arsenal dealt multiple injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash
Arsenal Injury Update Before Liverpool Clash as Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis Return to Training
Arsenal head to Anfield with a useful boost, even if the broader picture still carries a few complications. Ahead of the Premier League meeting with Liverpool, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice, Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori all returned to training on Friday. That matters, because Arsenal need a reaction and they need bodies.
Advertisement
The timing is obvious. Arsenal are coming off an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit, dumped out by Fleetwood Town after a 1-1 draw and a 5-3 defeat on penalties. Aaron Loupalo-Bi scored before the break, Viktor Gyokeres levelled in the second half, and Jay Lynch did the rest with a string of saves. The result put Arsenal in the wrong kind of history, the first reigning Premier League champions to lose a League Cup tie against a fourth-tier side.
Arsenal Injury Update Ahead of Anfield
Still, league form has been solid. Arsenal sit second on 21 points, level with Manchester City and behind only on goal difference. They have conceded just five goals in eight league games, and the 2-0 win over Everton last weekend underlined that they remain organised, efficient and hard to break down.
That is why the fitness update matters. Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis being back in training gives Arteta options in midfield, defence and attack. Noni Madueke remains uncertain and will be checked again after Saturday's session.
Photo: IMAGO
Advertisement
Liverpool vs Arsenal Carries Weight for Both Sides
Liverpool, now led by Andoni Iraola, are fourth on 15 points and already six behind Arsenal. At home, that gap is the story. Win, and the table tightens. Lose, and Arsenal gain control over a direct rival near the top end.
There are still absentees for the visitors. Bukayo Saka is expected to miss at least six weeks with a quad injury suffered against Bayern Munich. William Saliba has not featured at all this season because of a long-term back issue. Max Dowman is also out after Arsenal failed in their appeal against his red card at Fleetwood, meaning a three-match suspension that also rules him out against Hull City and Newcastle United.
Premier League Table Adds Edge at Anfield
So Arsenal arrive stronger than they looked a few days ago, but not whole. That is usually enough to shape a big away game. At Anfield, availability often tells its own story.
