Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media ahead of his side’s clash with Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
The match on Wednesday offers the Gunners are real chance at silverware this season, with the head coach under pressure to deliver on his team’s resurgence towards the top once again.
With the EFL Cup quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium offering a possibility for Arsenal to reach the final four of the competition, they may have to be at their best to beat a Crystal Palace team coming into form.
Some rotation may be on the cards, though it firmly depends on the injury issues at Arsenal, with the side suffering from a few absences in recent weeks.
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Arsenal injury update for Crystal Palace EFL Cup clash
There was some positive injury news over the weekend as Gabriel Magalhaes returned against Everton after a couple of missed games.
However, Declan Rice was an injury issue after the midfielder asked to be substituted early in the match against the Toffees.
Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko missed out on the tie, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are long-term injury concerns.
Speaking on the issues ahead of the game, Arteta told the press: “He’s [Declan Rice] fine. We will make the decision on whether he’s available or not.
“Alex [Zinchenko] and Riccy [Calafiori] will still be out of the squad for tomorrow.”
It suggests that Rice could be rested, but still involved in some capacity, leaving four injuries at the back for the Gunners to deal with.
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Arsenal players who could replace Declan Rice vs Crystal Palace
If it’s decided that Declan Rice won’t feature against Crystal Palace, then there are plenty more options now available in midfield.
The return of Thomas Partey, alongside Jorginho, gives Arteta the ability to pick players who could sit in the deeper role.
Moving further forward, both Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard could occupy positions as number eight.
Ethan Nwaneri could also be in line for a start, with the youngster making an impact in the EFL Cup already this season.
If he is to play in midfield, then perhaps he could make a statement on being given more opportunities to feature in the first team moving forward.
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