Mikel Arteta has provided a significant boost to Arsenal’s title hopes by confirming that Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, and Christos Tzolis have returned to full training ahead of the Premier League trip to Liverpool. The manager revealed the positive update following Tuesday’s unexpected Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Fleetwood Town, a match where all three players were omitted from the squad due to lingering fitness concerns. This development is crucial as Arsenal prepares for a high-stakes fixture against the Reds on Sunday, where full squad availability is expected to be a decisive factor.
Calafiori, Rice, and Tzolis return to full training after Carabao Cup scare
The absence of the trio was highlighted by their physical struggles during last week’s 3-0 victory over Everton. Rice, who was substituted in the 79th minute, reported an issue that kept him out of the cup match, while left-back Calafiori visibly limped off the pitch in discomfort during the final stages of the game. Arteta clarified that these were precautionary measures rather than long-term injuries, noting that the players have completed a full session today and are scheduled to train again tomorrow. If no further issues arise, all three will be available for selection, restoring Arsenal’s depth in key midfield and defensive positions.
This injury update shifts the narrative from concern to confidence as Arsenal looks to bounce back from the cup disappointment. With Rice and Calafiori back in the mix, Arteta regains his preferred defensive structure and midfield control, vital components in a match against a top-tier opponent like Liverpool. The return of Tzolis also adds valuable squad depth, ensuring the Gunners can manage fatigue across a congested fixture list. As the team heads to Anfield, the focus now turns to tactical adjustments and maintaining momentum in the league race, with the full-strength squad providing the necessary resilience for a tough away challenge.
Source: The Independent Sport
