According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Monday, October 26, 2026, Arsenal are expected to make several changes to their starting lineup for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Fleetwood Town, with Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and William Saliba likely to miss out after attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday evening.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also expected to attend the prestigious awards ceremony after receiving recognition among the leading managers in world football. The timing of the event could affect his preparations for the upcoming fixture, potentially forcing him to reshuffle his team ahead of the meeting with the League Two side.

Rice’s possible absence could be particularly significant, considering his important contribution to Arsenal’s midfield this season. The England international has played a key role in providing defensive protection, controlling possession and helping the team transition between defence and attack. His absence could create an opportunity for other midfielders to prove themselves and compete for more regular appearances.

Gabriel has also established himself as an influential presence in Arsenal’s defence. If he is unavailable, Arteta may have to select an alternative defensive partnership to maintain stability at the back. Saliba’s expected absence could further influence the manager’s defensive decisions as Arsenal prepare for the cup encounter.

Meanwhile, Raya’s potential omission from the starting lineup could give another goalkeeper an opportunity to feature. Arsenal have several players competing for opportunities, and domestic cup matches often provide a suitable platform for those who have received limited playing time in the Premier League.

Arteta has frequently rotated his squad in cup competitions to manage workloads and assess the depth of his team. Tuesday’s match could offer another chance for fringe players to demonstrate their abilities while helping Arsenal maintain their ambitions of progressing further in the competition.

Fleetwood Town will welcome the Premier League visitors with hopes of producing an impressive result against a more established opponent. The home side could view any changes to Arsenal’s lineup as an opportunity to challenge their visitors and potentially create an upset.

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s squad depth should provide Arteta with several options despite the anticipated absences. The fixture will allow less frequently used players to make an impression and strengthen their chances of earning additional opportunities as the club continues to manage a demanding schedule across multiple competitions.