Arsenal were beaten on penalties at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup. After the match, Mikel Arteta said Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke had missed the game because of fitness problems.
Arteta explains the absences
Arteta said: "Riccardo was out, Noni was out with an ankle and Declan Rice was finished with a problem the other day. That's why I had to substitute him [against Everton]."
Other squad issues
Christos Tzolis is on the treatment table. Max Dowman will miss the next 3 games after being sent off for kicking out at a Fleetwood player.
The Independent's report on the matches ahead
The Independent reported that the trio could now be doubts for Arsenal's trip to Liverpool on Sunday. The Independent also reported that Bukayo Saka could be out until Christmas after being forced off against Bayern Munich with a thigh injury.
Arteta's reaction after the match
Arteta said: "I'm sad, I think we are all sad."
Arteta said: "We have a massive responsibility to carry this badge in the best possible way."
Arteta said: "It had nothing to do with effort or application or determination to win it, but we lack other things to, to create a much bigger margin than today, with what we produce, they really should have been shown in the scoreline."