Arsenal eye triple injury boost vs Liverpool as key men near comebacks

Gunners chasing sorely-needed Adnfield victory after midweek humiliation at Fleetwood

The Anfield showdown on Sunday has become particularly important for the Gunners as they look to bounce back from their shock Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood.

Max Dowman was shown a straight red card in that match, further adding to Mikel Arteta's problems in wide areas.

Arsenal will appeal that decision and the club hope that the three-match suspension will be overturned before the Liverpool match, but the timeframe for a verdict is for the FA to determine.

Noni Madueke was not in the squad against Fleetwood and Arteta revealed after the match that he has been dealing with an ankle injury.

That is not believed to be a serious issue and there is optimism that Madueke will be fit to start on the right wing at Anfield.

The same goes for Declan Rice, who was also absent at Highbury Stadium.

Arsenal sources are confident both Noni Madueke and Declan Rice will be fit to face Liverpool

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Rice came off in the second half of last weekend’s victory over Everton after feeling tightness in his hamstring.

While the midfielder was always likely to be rested against Fleetwood regardless, that discomfort was enough for him to be left out of the matchday squad altogether.

Arsenal have managed Rice's fitness carefully this season and he withdrew from the England squad for the last international break in order to manage his workload.

That caution remains a priority for the Gunners but it is hoped that a free midweek will enable Rice to have recovered to face Liverpool.

Christos Tzolis could also make the squad as he goes through the final stages of his recovery from his own hamstring injury.

The winger has been out for almost a month since he picked up the injury while on Greece duty but he has made positive progress.

Christos Tzolis could be in the Arsenal squad at Anfield

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The Fleetwood match came too soon for Tzolis but if he comes through first-team training in the coming days, there is a chance he will be involved against Liverpool.

Arsenal have also been encouraged by the progress made by William Saliba.

The Frenchman is yet to play this season after it was decided in the summer that a significant period on the sidelines was required in order for a long-term back injury to be overcome.

Saliba has been on the grass doing individual work in the last three weeks and is getting close to making a return to first-team training.

If he gets through that without any setbacks, it is possible Saliba could be back in the matchday squad for Arsenal before the international break.