Arsenal could be without four key first-team players for their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Fleetwood Town after Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, David Raya and William Saliba were tipped to attend Monday evening’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Manager Mikel Arteta is also expected to attend the prestigious event, where he has received recognition among the leading coaches in world football. However, the timing of the ceremony could affect Arsenal’s preparations for Tuesday’s encounter against the League Two side.

The potential absence of the four players would give Arteta an opportunity to make changes to his starting lineup and assess the depth of his squad. With several important fixtures demanding careful management, the cup tie could provide an ideal occasion to rest established performers and offer opportunities to other members of the team.

Rice has been an influential figure in Arsenal’s midfield this season, contributing to the team’s ability to control matches and maintain balance between defence and attack. If he is unavailable, Arteta could turn to alternative midfield options, allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities and strengthen their claims for more regular playing time.

Gabriel has also played a significant role at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, providing strength and consistency alongside his defensive responsibilities. His potential absence could prompt Arteta to adjust his central defensive partnership, creating an opportunity for another player to step into the starting lineup.

Raya’s possible omission would similarly give Arsenal the chance to assess their goalkeeping alternatives. The Spaniard has been an important presence between the posts, but the cup competition could offer another goalkeeper valuable minutes if Arteta decides to rotate his squad.

Saliba’s situation will also be worth monitoring, particularly given previous concerns surrounding his fitness. His availability could influence the manager’s defensive selection as Arsenal prepare for a fixture in which they will be expected to control proceedings.

Arteta has regularly used domestic cup matches to rotate his squad and provide opportunities to players who have featured less frequently in the Premier League. The meeting with Fleetwood could follow a similar pattern, with younger players and fringe members of the squad hoping to impress.

Despite the prospect of several changes, Arsenal will remain focused on securing qualification for the next round. Fleetwood, meanwhile, will travel to north London determined to take advantage of the occasion and challenge opponents with greater financial resources and squad depth.

The League Two club have already progressed through earlier rounds and will regard the fixture as a valuable opportunity to produce a memorable result against Premier League opposition. Arsenal’s younger players and substitutes will therefore need to demonstrate concentration and quality if selected.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony also represents an opportunity to recognise Arsenal’s recent progress, with several players and Arteta attracting attention for their contributions. Nevertheless, the immediate challenge for the manager will be balancing the occasion with the demands of the cup schedule.

Arteta is expected to evaluate his available options before confirming his lineup. Those selected against Fleetwood will have an opportunity to prove themselves while helping Arsenal maintain their pursuit of domestic silverware.