Mikel Arteta has provided an Arsenal injury update ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, confirming that Declan Rice is available after a recent scare but that both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori will remain absent.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Declan Rice was withdrawn after 62 minutes during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Everton on Saturday, prompting concerns over his fitness. Speaking post-match, Arteta explained, “He has been with a little niggle for the last week or so. He has to be subbed in that moment. We have to do it.” However, the manager has since moved to ease fears, stating that Rice is “fine” and has been able to train with the team.
Whether Rice features against Palace remains to be seen, particularly with a crucial league fixture against the same opposition on the horizon at the weekend. Arteta may opt for caution, keen to manage Rice’s workload amid Arsenal’s demanding schedule.
Rotation remains a key focus for Arteta as he juggles injuries and the relentless frequency of matches. “We have managed the squad in the best possible way,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
“We’ve made sure that everybody who is fit and available feels part of it and is ready when the team needs it. If we have to make changes, I’m sure the boys that come in will have that, and others they’re going to have to play as well because of the [shortage of] numbers.”
Liverpool's English midfielder #17 Curtis Jones (L) fights for the ball with Arsenal's Ukrainian defender #35 Oleksandr Zinchenko during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 4, 2024.(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
While Rice’s availability is encouraging, Arsenal’s problems at left-back persist.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been absent since the match against Manchester United, remains unavailable. Zinchenko’s exclusion from the squad for the 8 December clash with Fulham raised questions over his condition, but Arteta has not yet provided clarity on his situation. The Ukrainian’s ongoing absence is undoubtedly a concern, particularly given the heavy fixture load.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal battles for possession with Oleksandr Zubkov of FC Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Riccardo Calafiori’s situation similarly remains uncertain.
The Italian defender, sidelined with a groin issue since the West Ham game, is yet to be cleared for a return. Arteta previously stated, “We’re just respecting the times that the medical department has set. We monitor him every day. And we understand that he’s not fully ready yet, but he’s getting very close now.”
However, Calafiori remains under assessment, with no definitive timeline for his return.
Related Posts