Noni Madueke injury: Arteta confirms ankle problem before Liverpool

Noni Madueke injury concerns have added to Arsenal’s selection problems before Liverpool, after Mikel Arteta confirmed an ankle issue kept the winger out of Tuesday’s defeat at Fleetwood.

Madueke’s availability for Sunday’s trip to Anfield remains unresolved. Bukayo Saka is already sidelined, leaving Arteta waiting for clarity over another of his options on the right wing.

Noni Madueke injury: what Arteta said

Arteta confirmed that Madueke, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori had missed the Carabao Cup tie because of fitness problems.

“Calafiori was out, Noni was out with an ankle,” he said, as reported by The Standard.

The manager did not give a recovery timetable for Madueke or confirm whether he would be available against Liverpool.

The winger had played against Everton in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win but was absent from the squad at Highbury Stadium. RotoWire reported that the ankle problem followed that Everton appearance.

Will Noni Madueke play against Liverpool?

There is no confirmed decision on Madueke’s involvement at Anfield. The Standard lists Liverpool as a potential return fixture, but that is not an announced comeback date.

RotoWire’s assessment highlights the pressure on Arsenal’s wide options, with Saka injured and Max Dowman’s dismissal at Fleetwood adding a suspension concern.

Madueke’s fitness therefore matters beyond the loss of one player. He had been an option to cover Saka’s position, as explored in our earlier analysis of how Arsenal could cope without Bukayo Saka.

Rice and Calafiori also require updates

Rice and Calafiori were also unavailable for the cup tie. Arteta linked Rice’s absence to the problem that prompted his substitution against Everton.

The midfielder had appeared to hold his hamstring during that match, but the manager’s post-Fleetwood explanation did not establish a specific diagnosis or a return date.

After the Everton win, Arteta said Calafiori “had a light issue” and that it “seems something very small”, Fantasy Football Scout reported.

Calafiori’s availability for Liverpool is also unresolved. His situation, alongside Rice’s and Madueke’s, leaves Arsenal with several fitness questions before their return to Premier League action.

Arsenal were knocked out by Fleetwood on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The hosts converted all five of their spot-kicks, while Bruno Guimaraes had his effort saved.

When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?

Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday 1 November, with kick-off at 4.30pm GMT.

Liverpool’s official fixture announcement confirms the date, kick-off time and live Sky Sports coverage in the UK.

Noni Madueke injury: your questions answered

What injury does Noni Madueke have?

Madueke has an ankle problem. Arteta confirmed it was the reason he missed Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match at Fleetwood.

Has Noni Madueke been ruled out against Liverpool?

No confirmed decision has been announced. His availability remains uncertain ahead of Sunday’s match at Anfield.

Why did Declan Rice miss Fleetwood?

Arteta said Rice had a problem that had also forced his substitution against Everton. He did not give a specific diagnosis in that update.