Mikel Arteta will be hoping Arsenal can consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League table this weekend with a win over Crystal Palace
As many as eight stars could be ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
The Gunners currently occupy top spot heading into the fixture, with a three-point gap to Manchester City in second and a four-point cushion to Liverpool in third.
However, that gap could be reduced by the time Mikel Arteta’s side kicks off against Palace. Liverpool is in action tonight against Brentford, while Man City takes on Aston Villa at the same time as the Gunners’ clash with Palace.
Arteta was dealt a blow in the build-up to the game with Gabriel Magalhaes unable to train after picking up a knock in the win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Speaking to the media on Friday, when asked about injuries, Arteta said: “Not much, obviously big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue, and he hasn’t been able to train yet, so let’s see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he’s available or not for the weekend.”
Martin Odegaard is not expected to feature this weekend, with a knee injury keeping him out of action until the November international break. It’s a similar expected return date for Kai Havertz, who is also recorvering from a knee injury.
Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus have also been ruled out of the clash this weekend, with the latter expected to return to action in the New Year.
As for Palace, Oliver Glasner will be without without midfielder Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha and Chadi Riad all of whom are long term absentees.
“We’ve no injury concerns – all players are fit, all players look really good, and are in good shape, so we’re ready for our first home game in the Conference League,” Glasner said ahead of the Eagles’ Europa League clash with AEK Larnaca.
“[We will pick] the best team, like always. We had five days between Bournemouth and Larnaca. The international [players] got two days off to recover, and we’ve prepared yesterday and today – short sessions, but the players look really sharp.
“We will play the best team [against Larnaca]. That makes sense for us, and [then] prepare for Arsenal.”
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