Dowman suspension adds to Arsenal's wing absences after Fleetwood defeat

Max Dowman's suspension has added to Arsenal's shortage of wide players after his dismissal in their Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town. BBC Sport reported that Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke were also injured ahead of Sunday's match against Liverpool.

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Dowman was sent off following his reaction to a challenge from Harrison Neal. It was the 16-year-old's second dismissal this month, following another while playing for England Under-19s during the international break.

The winger was making his second start of the season after scoring twice against Ipswich in the previous round. Arteta also started teenagers Ceadach O'Neill and Marli Salmon alongside experienced players including Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.

According to the BBC, Arteta confirmed Madueke's injury after the match. Saka was expected to miss around six weeks, while Tzolis was working towards a return. Arsenal were eliminated on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

For Fleetwood, the result secured a first League Cup quarter-final appearance since the club entered the English Football League in 2012. Aaron Loupalo-Bi put the hosts ahead after 21 minutes before Gyokeres equalised after half-time. Goalkeeper Jay Lynch then saved Bruno Guimaraes' penalty, and Conor Haughey converted the decisive kick. BBC Sport reported that supporters went onto the pitch after Haughey sealed the victory. Lynch told Sky Sports that Fleetwood had taken encouragement from Grimsby's victory over Manchester United in the competition last season.

The cup success came despite Fleetwood sitting 18th in League Two with one win from their previous eight league matches. Manager Matt Lawlor told Sky Sports that his players should enjoy the achievement, while also reminding them of Saturday's league meeting with Bristol Rovers. Left-back Jake Batty, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, hoped the atmosphere generated by the Arsenal tie would translate into stronger home support for league fixtures. Batty also hoped for another home draw in the quarter-finals and said Fleetwood should approach their next opponents without fear.