Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but Mikel Arteta was left sweating on the fitness of several players
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka had to be withdrawn against Crystal Palace(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
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Mikel Arteta has delivered a fitness update on his squad following three enforced substitutions during Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace.
Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal against his former side, propelling the Gunners four points clear at the summit. With Liverpool and Manchester City both suffering defeats, Sunderland, Bournemouth and Tottenham have emerged as Arsenal's closest pursuers, making the North London club overwhelming title favourites.
Maintaining player fitness will prove crucial to sustaining that position, though Arteta encountered four fresh injury concerns during their latest triumph. William Saliba became the first casualty, with Cristhian Mosquera taking his place at the interval.
Declan Rice was withdrawn in the closing stages, whilst it subsequently emerged that Riccardo Calafiori, substituted at the same moment, had also picked up a problem. Gabriel Martinelli was additionally seen hobbling down the tunnel.
Bukayo Saka entered the match carrying a fitness concern, which partly explained his relatively early departure.
With that in mind, The Mirror has compiled the latest Arsenal injury bulletin ahead of their encounters with Brighton and Burnley over the coming six days.
William Saliba
Saliba failed to emerge for the second period against Palace, with Mosquera once again standing in for the Frenchman.
Bukayo Saka
There were worries over Saka as he hadn't been seen in Arsenal training this week. Despite starting the match, he was taken off just after the hour mark.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli replaced Saka and completed the match but seemed to pick up an injury, as he was seen heading down the tunnel with physios.
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's captain, is making good progress from a knee injury that has kept him out of the last three games.
"There's no definite date for his return, but he's evolving well. It's very unlucky what's happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [after the next Int' break], but we'll have to see how he progresses. It's too early to give an answer."
Declan Rice
Rice needed attention from the physios after seeming to clutch his upper right leg. He was eventually substituted for Mikel Merino.
Riccardo Calafiori
Piero Hincapie came on for Calafiori with eight minutes of normal time remaining against Palace, and Arteta confessed he too may have sustained an injury.
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori appears to have picked up an injury against Crystal Palace
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Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz underwent surgery in August after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.
Noni Madueke
He was forced off in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City in late September and has been absent since with a knee problem.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has been sidelined for the past nine months following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, he is moving closer to making his comeback.
"When you can see the end it's important you don't push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready."
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