According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Arsenal have suffered a significant setback ahead of their Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, as 16-year-old Max Dowman will miss the match after the club's appeal against his red card was rejected. Several key first-team players are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the crucial fixture.

The Gunners currently occupy second place in the Premier League table with 21 points from eight matches. They are level on points with leaders Manchester City but sit below them because of an inferior goal difference.

Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori were all absent from Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. Rice was withdrawn during the 2-0 win over Everton after experiencing a hamstring problem, although manager Mikel Arteta described the issue as minor.

Madueke played the entire match against Everton but missed the Fleetwood fixture because of an ankle problem. Reports suggest that Rice, Madueke, Christos Tzolis and Mikel Merino are expected to be available for Sunday's clash with Liverpool, while Calafiori remains a doubt.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka continues to recover from a left quadriceps injury he sustained against Bayern Munich. Arteta previously revealed that the winger would need several weeks to regain full fitness. William Saliba has also yet to make an appearance this season because of a back injury.

Dowman's suspension further weakens Arsenal's attacking options ahead of their trip to Merseyside. The teenager was sent off in the 85th minute against Fleetwood after kicking out at Harrison Neal following a strong challenge.

Arsenal subsequently appealed the decision, claiming that the dismissal was unjustified and the punishment too severe. However, an independent Football Association Regulatory Commission rejected both arguments and upheld a three-match suspension.

As a result, Dowman will miss Sunday's encounter against Liverpool, Arsenal's home match against Hull City on November 7 and their away fixture against Newcastle United on November 21.

The 16-year-old is expected to return to action when Arsenal face Manchester City on November 29. However, he remains eligible to feature in the club's Champions League matches against Slavia Prague and Borussia Dortmund.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett acknowledged that the referee had grounds to send Dowman off but maintained that Neal's challenge also warranted a yellow card.