Liverpool v Arsenal team news: Rice and Calafiori fit, Saka needs more scans, Szoboszlai has 'a chance'
Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori trained and should be available at Anfield, Tzolis is back and Noni Madueke faces a late test. Bukayo Saka needs more scans on a tendon injury. Andoni Iraola says Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz have a chance of returning.
Both managers spoke on Friday before Liverpool v Arsenal on Sunday 1 November at 16:30 UK (17:30 Spain / 00:30 Monday Beijing). Here is what has changed since our preview.
Arsenal: good news on Rice
| Player | Update |
|---|---|
| Declan Rice | Trained; should be available |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Trained after a knock against Everton; should be available |
| Tzolis | Back from the hamstring injury he picked up on international duty |
| Noni Madueke | Late fitness test on his ankle |
| Bukayo Saka | Out; needs more scans on a tendon injury |
| Max Dowman | Suspended — appeal rejected |
Arteta said the players who trained should be available "if all goes well". On Madueke: "We don't know yet. We have a training session tomorrow, we will see if he can complete that full session."
On Saka, who went off early in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, the news is less clear. Asked whether he would be back before the November international break, Arteta said: "Probably," before adding, "I don't know, it looks like it, but we will have to wait and see next week."
With Tzolis back, Arteta has another option on the right, where Saka's absence has hurt most.
Liverpool: two possible returns
Iraola said Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz could be involved: "I think they have a chance. They have a chance. But I don't know for sure if they will be involved or not."
He also backed Ryan Gravenberch, whose foul gave away a penalty against Chelsea on Wednesday: "We trust him. We know what he can produce."
What Iraola said about Arsenal
He did not play down the challenge. "I think they are the actual champions and they are top of the league right now, they've only lost one game this season," he said. "We know Arsenal, we know how good they are, very good players, working a lot, working in synchrony."
He pointed to aerial duels and set pieces as areas that could decide the game.
On the table, he was cautious: "I think it's too early to start looking at the standings." And on Liverpool's five-match winning run: "From the five wins, just two are in the league. Lately we are getting good results but we need to improve in different areas, we know this."
The picture before Sunday
| Liverpool | Arsenal | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 4th, 15 points | Joint top, 21 points |
| Midweek | Beat Chelsea on penalties | Knocked out by Fleetwood |
| Main absentees | Frimpong, possibly Szoboszlai | Saka, Dowman, possibly Madueke |
FAQ
Is Declan Rice fit for Liverpool v Arsenal? Arteta said Rice trained and should be available if all goes well.
When will Bukayo Saka be back? He needs more scans on a tendon injury. Arteta said he will "probably" be back before the November international break, but could not be certain.
Is Szoboszlai playing against Arsenal? Iraola said he has "a chance" but did not know for sure if he will be involved.
What time is Liverpool v Arsenal? Sunday 1 November at 16:30 UK time (00:30 Monday in Beijing).
