According to a report by Football London on Sunday October 25, 2026, Arsenal are expected to be without four important first-team players for their Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting with Fleetwood Town following the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday evening.

Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and William Saliba are expected to attend the prestigious event. Manager Mikel Arteta is also tipped to be present after receiving recognition among the leading coaches in world football.

The ceremony’s timing could prevent the four Arsenal stars from starting Tuesday’s cup fixture against the League Two outfit. Their expected absence gives Arteta an opportunity to rotate his squad and provide opportunities for other players.

Rice has played a significant role in Arsenal’s midfield this season, meaning his absence could create an opening for alternative options. Other midfielders may get the chance to demonstrate their qualities and strengthen their claims for regular involvement.

Gabriel has been an important presence in Arsenal’s defence, while Raya has offered reliability between the posts. Saliba’s fitness has also attracted attention following earlier concerns, making his potential absence another consideration for Arteta ahead of the tie.

Arsenal’s manager has regularly rotated his team during domestic cup competitions. This fixture could provide valuable minutes for fringe players and those returning from minor fitness problems, while allowing several key individuals to receive additional rest.

Despite the likely changes, Arsenal will still aim to progress into the next round. Fleetwood will travel to north London hoping to produce a memorable performance against opponents with considerably greater squad depth and resources.

The League Two side have already advanced through previous rounds and will view this encounter as a major opportunity. Arsenal’s substitutes and younger players could therefore face an important test as they attempt to impress their manager.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony also represents recognition of Arsenal’s recent progress, with several players and Arteta receiving attention for their contributions. However, the immediate priority will be navigating the cup tie successfully while managing the squad’s demanding schedule.

Arteta will assess his available options before selecting his starting lineup. Those given opportunities against Fleetwood will be expected to perform well and help Arsenal continue their pursuit of silverware across domestic competitions.