Mikel Arteta confirmed fresh injury concerns.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta confirmed fresh injury concerns. | Getty Images
Arsenal picked up three points against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon but there was also a trio of injury worries for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that his side were navigating a trio of potential injury blows following the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
A moment of inspiration from Eberechi Eze saw the midfielder fire home a volley in the first half with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances in the London derby.
It’s a jubilant mood around the Emirates Stadium at the moment, with Sunday’s victory following the head turning 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in Champions League action on Tuesday. There were, however, a few fitness concerns for Arsenal to handle.
Mikel Arteta confirms Gabriel Martinelli injury concern
Gabriel Martinelli was only handed 24 minutes off the bench as Arsenal looked to find a second and had appeared to finish the match without a problem. However, the 24-year-old was seen limping in the tunnel and in conversation with a member of medical staff.
Speaking in his post match press conference, Arteta said: “I think so [he’s okay]. We have to check that one as he said he felt something. We don’t know whether it is a muscular issue or not. Tomorrow we’ll have more news.”
Martinelli has only been a fringe player so far this season but his absence would be a big blow for Arsenal with the matches coming thick and fast. The Gunners take on Brighton in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday before travelling to Burnley next weekend. There’s then a midweek Champions League clash away at Slavia Prague before heading to Sunderland.
The winger has been prolific in the Champions League so far this term, scoring in each of Arsenal’s European matches. Speaking after he struck against Athletic Bilbao last month, Arteta said: “He fully deserved it. I adore Gabriel: his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he’s willing to do for the team. I was sure that Gabby was going to react like that.
“He has such a mentality. He’s constantly willing to learn, very demanding with himself and hopefully that gives him the confidence again because he is an outstanding player. I looked on the bench, I looked at him, and in his eyes I could see that he was ready. Leo as well. I think that’s going to help us a lot for the future.
“That shows that they are at least equally important or more important as anyone in this squad. That the finishers are going to be more important this season than the starters.”
Declan Rice, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka fitness updates
Martinelli wasn’t the only injury concern for Arsenal following the win over Crystal Palace. William Saliba came off at half time with Declan Rice also subbed early with a knock. Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka had been struggling with an illness.
The Arsenal boss said: “The first one was William, who had to be out in the first half, Declan was also struggling with a knock that he took in the first half. So, let’s see.
“Bukayo has been ill. He hasn’t trained really. We didn’t know if he was going to be fit, he made a big effort to be available today. The doctor was brilliant as well to guide us and give us the best opportunity to be in the best possible condition. He’s managed to play a few minutes but the longer the game went he was going to fatigue and risk an injury. We didn’t want to take that risk.”
In other news, Arsenal Player Ratings: 'Bulldoggish' 9/10 but 5/10 'must step up' v Crystal Palace.
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