Arsenal Face Selection Dilemma for Crystal Palace Clash with Three Key Players Missing

Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial Premier League match against Crystal Palace this Saturday, just days after securing a 3-2 victory over the same opponents in the Carabao Cup. Despite their recent triumph, manager Mikel Arteta anticipates a different challenge in the upcoming league fixture at Selhurst Park.

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta acknowledged the unique circumstances: “It is different,” he said. “Obviously, we played very recently and we’ve analyzed them, so you don’t have to do that too much. I’m sure both teams will adjust, probably change a few things, and make some changes in personnel as well. We know the difficulty of the game, and we know what it means to go to Selhurst Park. We have prepared for that.”

As Arsenal prepares to face Palace in the league, the Gunners will be without three key players. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined due to knee injuries, and both are not expected to return until 2025. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko is a doubt for the match, with Arteta confirming the Ukrainian’s availability is “probably” in question due to a muscle injury.

However, there is some positive news for Arsenal as Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori are both fit and available for selection after missing the midweek Carabao Cup tie. Rice had been left out of the squad on Wednesday following an injury scare in last week’s Everton match, while Calafiori has been sidelined since Arsenal’s win over West Ham in November. Arteta confirmed both players would be part of the squad for the Crystal Palace clash.

Another player who can make a return is goalkeeper Neto, who was unavailable for the Carabao Cup due to being cup-tied. With no other significant fitness concerns reported, Arteta will have a full squad of 21 senior players at his disposal, within the Premier League regulations of naming 20 players for the matchday squad.

The inclusion of youth prospects Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom have been in the matchday squads this season, adds further depth to the available options. With some key players returning to fitness, it could mean defender Kieran Tierney might miss out on a place in the squad altogether.

Regarding Tierney’s future, Arteta was quizzed on whether the full-back could leave in January, to which he responded, “At the moment he is here with us. I wouldn’t play a player who is thinking of leaving or not committed to us. He’s fully committed and enjoying his time after a long period out with injury. He deserves to be in the squad. He played really well after a long time, and that’s all I can say.”

The possible Arsenal squad for the match includes goalkeeper Raya and Neto, with defenders Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly. In midfield, Rice, Jorginho, Partey, Merino, Nwaneri, and Odegaard will provide options, while forwards Trossard, Sterling, Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli, and Saka make up the attacking choices.

While Arteta will have some key players at his disposal, he will need to make strategic decisions to overcome Palace’s resilience at home. The match promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to build momentum ahead of the busy holiday period.

Injuries and Absences:

• Ben White – Knee injury (out until 2025)
• Takehiro Tomiyasu – Knee injury (out until 2025)
• Oleksandr Zinchenko – Muscle injury (doubtful)

Key Available Players:

• Declan Rice – Fit and available
• Riccardo Calafiori – Fit and available
• Neto – Available after being cup-tied for the Carabao Cup

Possible Arsenal Squad for Crystal Palace:
Raya, Neto; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Jorginho, Partey, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard; Trossard, Sterling, Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli, Saka.