Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have had a dip in form over recent outings. They have drawn their last two games in the Premier League including a 0-0 draw against Everton at home last weekend.
Arteta will want a better showing against the Eagles in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. Ahead of the clash, the Spaniard has provided an update on three players.
Declan Rice was substituted against the Toffees on Saturday with a minor muscle injury, but the manager has clarified that he is fine and will be assessed further.
He told reporters: “He’s fine. We will make the decision on whether he’s available or not.”
Arteta added that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori remain on the sidelines with respective injuries and won’t be in the squad to face Palace tomorrow.
He added: “Alex and Riccy will still be out of the squad for tomorrow.”
Arsenal have had a mixed start to the Premier League season and they are presently six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Everton.
The club’s title prospects are quite slim at the moment. The Gunners may need to prioritise the Cup competitions and the Champions League in the quest for trophies.
The Carabao Cup appears the best route to one, considering Arsenal are only three games away from potential silverware if they beat Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday.
The Eagles were a bogey club for the Gunners in the past, but Arsenal have won their last four meetings.
Nonetheless, the game may not be straightforward. Palace are unbeaten in the last five games with two wins and Arsenal need to be at their best to make the final four.