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

Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya and William Saliba are expected to attend the prestigious ceremony. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is also expected to be present after being recognised among the top coaches in world football.

The timing of the event could affect the availability of the four Arsenal stars for Tuesday’s cup match against the League Two side. Their possible absence would give Arteta an opportunity to rotate his squad and allow other players to step into the starting lineup.

Rice has been a crucial figure in Arsenal’s midfield this season, and his absence could create an opportunity for other midfielders to showcase their abilities and strengthen their chances of earning more regular playing time.

Gabriel has played an important role in the Gunners’ defence, while Raya has provided consistency in goal. Saliba’s fitness has also been a subject of interest following previous concerns, meaning his potential absence is another factor Arteta must consider before the encounter.

Arteta has frequently rotated his squad in domestic cup competitions, and the meeting with Fleetwood could offer valuable playing time to fringe players and those returning from minor fitness issues. It would also allow some of Arsenal’s key players to benefit from additional rest.

Nevertheless, Arsenal will be determined to secure qualification for the next round despite the expected changes. Fleetwood Town will travel to north London hoping to deliver a memorable performance against a team with significantly greater financial resources and squad depth.

The League Two outfit have already progressed through the earlier rounds and will regard the fixture as a major opportunity to make an impression. Arsenal’s younger players and substitutes could consequently face a challenging test as they seek to prove their worth to Arteta.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony also highlights Arsenal’s recent progress, with several players and their manager receiving recognition for their contributions. However, the immediate focus will remain on overcoming Fleetwood while carefully managing the demands of the club’s busy schedule.

Arteta is expected to evaluate his available options before confirming his starting lineup. The players selected to feature against Fleetwood will be expected to take advantage of their opportunities and help Arsenal maintain their pursuit of silverware in domestic competitions.