Brief

Arteta says Rice, Calafiori and Madueke doubtful for Liverpool match

Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke may miss Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League game at Anfield.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:10:09 GMT

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Tuesday that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke are doubtful for the club’s Premier League match against Liverpool on Sunday, following the Gunners’ Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

What happened

Arsenal were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after a penalty shoot‑out loss to League Two side Fleetwood Town. The match finished 1‑1 after 90 minutes, and Arsenal’s heavy rotation backfired, according to Artura’s post‑match comments.

What the reports add

The Independent reported that Artura explained the trio’s absence by citing specific fitness problems: Calafiori was unavailable, Madueke was dealing with an ankle injury and Rice had “a problem the other day”, which forced his substitution against Everton. The Standard echoed the same quote and added that Rice had left the Everton game after feeling a right‑hamstring issue, while Calafiori was a late substitute who barely featured.

What was said

Artura told the Independent, “Riccardo was out, Noni was out with an ankle and Declan Rice was finished with a problem the other day. That's why I had to substitute him [against Everton].” The Standard quoted him similarly: “[Riccardo] Calafiori was out, Noni [Madueke] was out with an ankle [injury], and Declan [Rice] was feeling a problem the other day, which is why I had to substitute him.”

How it came about

Arsenal’s injury concerns have been building this season. Earlier coverage by Felo News noted Artura’s caution with Rice after his England withdrawal (article) and provided an update on several other players on 16 October (article). The latest doubts add to a growing list that includes Bukayo Saka’s thigh problem and Christos Tzolis’s treatment.

Key facts

Arsenal lost to Fleetwood Town on penalties after a 1‑1 draw. (independent.co.uk)
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke are doubtful for the Liverpool match. (independent.co.uk)
Rice left the Everton game with a right‑hamstring issue. (standard.co.uk)