Injury expert reveals the player Arsenal might be ‘most concerned’ about after Crystal Palace win

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Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace delivered four injury concerns as well as three points.

Mikel Arteta has the squad to deal with injuries; however, with a ridiculous schedule to tend to, it’s a concern that players are already becoming so fatigued. 

While battling in the league, Europe and domestic cup competitions, players have undergone a lot of travelling, reporting for international duty in between.

After Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace, Arteta revealed that William Saliba was substituted early due to injury, and regrettably, the Frenchman wasn’t the only one. 

Expert shares first thoughts on quadruple Arsenal injury concern

Declan Rice was hauled off after requiring assistance from Arsenal’s medical team, with Riccardo Calafiori also being hooked with an issue. 

Added to that, Gabriel Martinelli appeared to be limping at full-time, with Arteta later confirming that the Brazilian felt something. 

Arsenal fans will be desperate for good news, and to provide their first thoughts on the four injuries, injury analyst ‘Physio Scout’ took to X to share an overview.

To summarise, the expert said that none of the injuries ‘scream long-term’.

• On Saliba: “Nothing obvious in-game mechanism suggesting a major injury. Should be a fast recovery.”

• On Rice: “Looked like a calf contusion due to contact from a Palace player. It should settle within a week.”

• On Calafiori: “No clear mechanism on broadcast, which usually means tightness/fatigue rather than structural damage.”

While the consensus is that there’s nothing to worry about, the expert did suspect that Martinelli’s issue could make him the player Arsenal might be ‘most concerned’ about. 

The expert noted that the winger’s symptoms usually point ‘towards tightness/simple strain’, which could be ‘early hamstring/adductor tightness’.

That being said, if Martinelli’s issue is a strain rather than tightness, he could be out for two or more weeks.

Mikel Arteta now has a real dilemma ahead of the Brighton clash

If there’s one player Arteta wouldn’t want to be injured with a cup game in sight, it’s Martinelli.

Despite Arsenal’s top work in the transfer window, the Gunners were still unable to really maximise their quality on the left flank.

Usually, if Martinelli is out, Leandro Trossard would replace him, but the Belgian also needs rest, being a starter in Arteta’s eyes right now.

With Noni Madueke also out, Arsenal’s options when selecting a left-sider are very limited, putting pressure on Arteta to make the right call while avoiding overworking Trossard.

It will be fascinating to see how Arteta manages the situation, with Arsenal possessing very few left-sided players at present.