According to a report by London Evening Standard on Thursday October 29, 2026, Arsenal have suffered a major setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with 16-year-old Max Dowman set to miss the match after the club's appeal against his red card was rejected.

Several first-team players are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the crucial encounter.

The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League standings with 21 points from eight matches. They are level with leaders Manchester City but trail on goal difference.

Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori all missed Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. Rice was substituted during the 2-0 victory over Everton after experiencing a hamstring problem. However, Mikel Arteta described the injury as minor.

Madueke completed the full match against Everton but missed the Fleetwood encounter because of an ankle issue. According to reports, Rice, Madueke, Christos Tzolis and Mikel Merino are expected to be available against Liverpool. Calafiori remains doubtful.

Bukayo Saka is still recovering from a left quadriceps injury sustained against Bayern Munich. Arteta previously confirmed that the winger would require several weeks to recover. William Saliba has also yet to feature this season because of a back problem.

Dowman's suspension represents another setback for Arsenal's attacking options. The youngster was sent off in the 85th minute against Fleetwood after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a strong challenge.

Arsenal appealed the dismissal, arguing that the decision was wrongful and the punishment excessive. However, an independent Football Association Regulatory Commission rejected both claims and confirmed a three-match suspension.

Dowman will miss Sunday's trip to Liverpool, the home fixture against Hull City on November 7 and the away meeting with Newcastle United on November 21.

The teenager is expected to return against Manchester City on November 29. He remains eligible for Arsenal's Champions League matches against Slavia Prague and Borussia Dortmund.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett acknowledged that the referee had grounds to dismiss Dowman but argued that Neal's challenge also deserved a yellow card.