Mikel Arteta is once again sweating over defensive injuries, with no fewer than four members of the Arsenal back line out or doubts for the game at Selhurst Park. We’ve got the latest news on their conditions below along with our predicted line-up as Arsenal look to put disappointing recent draws against Everton and Fulham behind them and push to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
It’s the defence that’s the root cause of Arsenal’s problems once again this weekend, with four players expected to miss out – although there is at least some chance of an appearance for Riccardo Calafiori (knee), who was described by Arteta as “not fully really” but “very close” last weekend.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (muscular) is also more doubtful than definitely out after missing the team’s last four matches in all competitions, but neither Ben White nor Takehiro Tomiyasu (both knee) will feature, with neither expected to make their comebacks until the spring.
There was some good news for Arteta this week with the return of Kieran Tierney, who started against Crystal Palace in the 3-2 midweek win, his first appearance for the Gunners since the 2023 Community Shield. He is unlikely to start this weekend, however, after it was announced that he would leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Midfield
The only injury concern Arsenal have in midfield is a minor one – Declan Rice was rested in midweek after picking up a knock during the 0-0 draw at home to Everton, but despite being substituted at his own request in that match, Arteta has suggested that the England midfielder is “fine”, and he is expected to be back in the starting line-up come Saturday.
The only other selection debate is likely to be over Rice’s midfield partner – Thomas Partey has filled in at right-back recently, and if injuries force the Ghanaian to play in the back line again then Mikel Merino could be handed a second consecutive league start in his stead.
Forwards
There are no injury concerns across the front three, but Gabriel Jesus – whose second-half hat-trick booked Arsenal’s place in the EFL Cup semi-finals – is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension.
It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian’s midweek heroics will be enough to earn him just a third Premier League start of the season – Kai Havertz has started the last four league matches in the central role, but has scored just once in the top flight since the first week of October. The German’s position may well be under threat.
Raya; Kiwior, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Partey, Ødegaard; Martinelli, Saka, Jesus.
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