Arsenal Set to Face Crystal Palace Without Key Players in Carabao Cup Quarter-Final

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side will head into their crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday with a depleted squad. With several senior players unavailable, the Gunners face a tough test against a resurgent Palace team.

Arsenal have enjoyed a perfect record in the Carabao Cup so far, securing wins against Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End to reach this stage. However, their upcoming opponents, Crystal Palace, have been in fine form, coming off an impressive 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

This quarter-final clash comes with additional challenges, as Arsenal and Palace are set to meet again in a Premier League fixture just days after this match. “It’s another layer of difficulty, particularly when you play a team twice in four days,” Arteta admitted ahead of the game.

A major concern for Arsenal has been the fitness of Declan Rice. The England midfielder was forced off with an injury during the weekend’s 0-0 draw against Everton, but Arteta confirmed that Rice is in contention for Wednesday’s match. “He’s fine. We will make the decision on whether he’s available or not,” the manager said.

However, the Gunners will be without Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori. Zinchenko has been sidelined with a muscle injury, while Calafiori continues his recovery from a groin issue. These absences further strain Arteta’s squad depth ahead of a crucial period in the season.

Meanwhile, Palace manager Roy Hodgson is optimistic about the impact of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, who have recently returned to fitness. Their creativity and flair could pose significant challenges to Arsenal’s defense. Hodgson remarked, “They make our team better in every way. Their presence on the pitch is a huge boost.”

The Gunners will need to rely on their depth and resilience, with fringe players likely to be called upon to step up. Arteta’s tactical approach will also be key, as he balances the need to progress in the cup with managing the fitness of his squad for the busy December schedule.

Despite their recent injury struggles, Arsenal remain determined to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Emirates faithful will be hoping for a strong performance, particularly from in-form players like Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on Arsenal’s vulnerabilities. Their confidence is high after their recent Premier League win, and Hodgson’s side has shown they can compete against the top teams in the league.

Arsenal’s attacking options have also been a topic of discussion, with some questioning whether the Gunners need reinforcements in the striker department. The lack of goals in recent matches has reignited debates about the need for a consistent finisher to lead the line.

Arteta has been reluctant to rotate his squad too much for cup games, and this London derby is no exception. “It’s a crucial match, and we’ll approach it with full commitment,” he said. Fans can expect a strong lineup despite the absences.

The match also provides an opportunity for younger players like Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah to make their mark. Both have been impressive in cup competitions and will look to seize their chances in this high-stakes encounter.

Arsenal’s defensive solidity will also be tested, with Ben White and William Saliba likely to face a dynamic Palace attack. Maintaining discipline and focus at the back will be critical if the Gunners are to keep their cup hopes alive.

For Palace, this match represents a chance to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in years. Hodgson’s side will look to exploit Arsenal’s injury concerns and aim for a historic victory at the Emirates.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere around the Emirates is buzzing with anticipation. Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Arteta navigates this tricky fixture with a makeshift squad, while Palace supporters are dreaming of an upset.

Regardless of the outcome, this London derby promises to be an intense and thrilling contest, with both teams fighting for a coveted spot in the last four of the Carabao Cup.