Arsenal head to Anfield on Sunday facing a major early-season examination, with Mikel Arteta still waiting on key team news before naming his side for the Liverpool clash.

The biggest immediate concern surrounds Noni Madueke, whose ankle issue kept him out of the midweek cup defeat to Fleetwood. Arsenal remain hopeful he can recover in time, though his availability will depend on how he comes through the final training session. Arteta offered a measured update, saying, “We don’t know yet,” before adding, “We have a training session tomorrow, [let’s] see if he can complete that full session, and after that we’ll know whether he’s available or not.”

That uncertainty matters even more given Max Dowman is suspended following his late red card in midweek. Arsenal are already light in attacking areas, and the absence of Bukayo Saka continues to cast a shadow over their preparations. The winger is still awaiting a further scan on the quad injury he suffered against Bayern Munich, with fears that he could miss up to eight weeks.

Madueke fitness key for Arsenal attack

With Saka unavailable and Dowman banned, Arsenal need reliable options behind the central striker. Madueke offers direct running and width, qualities that could be vital against a Liverpool side who will look to control territory at Anfield. If he is passed fit, he seems likely to come straight back into contention for the starting line-up.

There is better news elsewhere for Arteta. Christos Tzolis has recovered from his hamstring problem and could return to the squad for the first time since before the last international break. Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori also trained fully on Friday after recent minor issues, which should give Arsenal greater balance and physical presence.

Selection calls for Arteta at Anfield

Even with some players returning, Arsenal still have awkward decisions to make in forward areas. Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres failed to convince in the Fleetwood defeat, and neither strengthened their case to lead the line against Liverpool. Havertz endured a particularly difficult night, though he has often retained Arteta’s trust in high-profile matches.

A likely Arsenal XI could see David Raya in goal, behind a back four of Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel and Calafiori. Rice and Bruno Guimaraes may anchor midfield, with Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and, if fit, Madueke supporting Havertz.

Sunday’s meeting at Anfield, kicking off at 4.30pm GMT, already carried major weight. Arsenal’s injury update has only added another layer to a huge Liverpool clash.