Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Noni Madueke are significant injury doubts for Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Liverpool. The revelation comes in the wake of a stunning Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Fleetwood Town, where the Gunners suffered a penalty shootout defeat after a 1-1 draw. Arteta’s heavy rotation strategy, intended to manage squad depth, was severely hampered by these unexpected fitness concerns, forcing him to field a makeshift lineup that ultimately failed to secure a victory.
Gunners manager confirms fitness issues for Rice, Calafiori, and Madueke following cup shock
The absence of these three key players was the primary factor behind the selection changes, with Arteta explaining that each player was sidelined due to specific physical issues. “Riccardo was out, Noni was out with an ankle and Declan Rice was finished with a problem the other day,” Arteta stated post-match. The manager noted that Rice’s condition was so severe that he was forced to make an early substitution during the previous Premier League encounter against Everton, indicating a lingering issue that has now impacted the cup campaign.
This injury blow leaves Arsenal with a diminished squad as they prepare to face Liverpool, a high-stakes match that could define their title hopes. The loss to Fleetwood Town not only ends their cup run but also raises questions about squad resilience and depth. With three starters potentially unavailable, Arteta will need to rely on his remaining options to maintain momentum in the league, making the Liverpool clash a critical test of his tactical flexibility and squad management.
Source: The Independent Sport
