Declan Rice fitness doubt for Arsenal's Premier League trip to Anfield against Liverpool

Declan Rice is a fitness concern for Arsenal ahead of their Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, after the midfielder sat out the Gunners’ Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Fleetwood Town in midweek.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after the Fleetwood loss that Rice’s absence was the result of an injury rather than workload management, though he described the issue as minor. Rice had been involved in training during the week and is said to be ahead of Arsenal’s other injury doubts in his recovery, with Arteta expected to provide a full update at his pre-match press conference.

The 26-year-old has started every Premier League match for Arsenal this season, making his absence from the Carabao Cup tie all the more notable. Rice was spotted holding the back of his thigh during the Gunners’ recent win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, which may point to a recurring issue — last season he played 36 Premier League games and 13 Champions League fixtures while managing pain in his lower back and hamstring for much of the campaign.

Rice has never won at Anfield. His two victories against Liverpool came at the London Stadium with West Ham United and at the Emirates with Arsenal.

Arteta faces further selection headaches in wide areas. Winger Noni Madueke and left-back Riccardo Calafiori also missed the Fleetwood game and remain doubts, while Christos Tzolis, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba are longer-term absentees. Teenager Max Dowman, who received a red card against Fleetwood, will serve a suspension and is unavailable for the Liverpool match.

Arsenal begin the weekend in second place in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Manchester City. Liverpool sit fourth, six points adrift of Arsenal, and will be looking to close that gap with a home win on Sunday.