Ben is an experienced sports journalist and Senior Editor at Football FanCast with expertise in breaking news and transfer reporting across English and European football. Since joining the publication in 2018 as a freelance writer, he has progressed through the editorial ranks while covering virtually every team in the English football pyramid.  

Throughout his career, Ben has written for publications including the Liverpool Echo and Lincolnshire Echo. He graduated from the University of Lincoln with a Master's degree in Sports Journalism in 2017, having previously studied History and Psychology at Newcastle University.
 

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Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool this weekend with question marks over the fitness of several key players, as Mikel Arteta looks to navigate another challenging period on the injury front.

Arsenal will also be without teenage sensation Max Dowman, who is suspended following his red card in the defeat at Fleetwood in midweek.

Speaking about his reaction to the 16-year-old's dismissal, Arteta explained: "My reaction comes from a moment of heat and extreme frustration, because I know the consequences of that, especially for Max."

The Spaniard added that he had since spoken with Dowman, insisting there were no lingering issues between them.

"We need to be very protective of him, but also very straight with him at the same time with what to expect of him towards the team, individuals, and the club."

There is better news elsewhere, however, with Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis all potentially available after returning to training.

"They all trained today, and they will train tomorrow, and if everything is ok, they will be available," Arteta confirmed.

Noni Madueke remains a doubt, although the Arsenal boss refused to rule the winger out of contention.

"We don't know yet. We'll have a training session tomorrow, see if he can complete that full session tomorrow and as I said, I will know whether he's available or not."

Liverpool meanwhile are expected to be boosted by the returns of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, with manager Andoni Iraola revealing the pair will face late fitness tests.

“I think Szoboszlai and Munoz have a chance but we still have two days. I think they have a chance, yes.”

Bukayo Saka facing weeks out as Arsenal await tendon scan results

The biggest concern for Arsenal is the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who looks set to remain sidelined until at least the November international break.

Arteta revealed that the England international requires further medical examinations to determine the severity of his injury, with particular concerns surrounding possible tendon involvement.

"He needed another scan to see how the amount of fluid that was there is resolving, whether the tendon is touched and how badly it is touched. Afterwards we'll know more about it," Arteta explained.

Asked whether Saka would be ruled out of England duty during the upcoming international break, the Arsenal manager admitted that was looking increasingly likely.

"Again, I don't know. Looks like it, but we'll have to wait and see next week."

Saka has scored three goals in seven Premier League appearances this season, underlining his importance to Arteta's attacking plans.

However, the 25-year-old's latest setback will inevitably raise further questions about his workload and injury record, given how heavily both Arteta and multiple England managers have relied upon the winger over the years.

While his importance to club and country is undeniable, such a demanding schedule has raised concerns about whether he has been afforded sufficient rest.

Saka missed 21 matches with a serious hamstring injury during the 2024/25 campaign, while achilles tendon problems also kept him sidelined for seven games last season.

His latest quadriceps issue represents another frustrating setback, although Arteta insists the player is already making progress.

"We want to have him [back] as quickly as possible. The player is desperate; he's feeling much better than he was a few days ago, and we need to wait and see how he evolves."

Given Saka's history, Arsenal will be keen to avoid rushing him back into action, particularly with concerns over possible tendon damage still unresolved.