Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Oleksandr Zinchenko will all likely be in the matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
All three missed the midweek Carabao Cup win over Palace due to fitness issues – Calafiori will be out for two weeks and Zinchenko nearly a month. Speaking at his Friday press conference, Arteta hopes they will come into contention.
“[Rice and Calafiori] are both in the squad, available to be in the squad,” Arteta said. “Zinchenko probably available as well.” The Arsenal manager also alluded to Takehiro Tomiyasu’s recovery from long-term knee damage, yet he later confirmed the defender isn’t ready yet for return. Ben White will be out with a problem knee as well.
On a more positive note, backup goalkeeper Neto is due to return after being cup-tied for the midweek fixture.
Arsenal enter the weekend six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer. The Gunners also sit four points behind Chelsea but could close the gap with a win, as their rivals have tough fixtures against Tottenham and Everton on Sunday. With key players back, Arsenal will be hoping to reignite their title challenge at the Emirates.
