Arsenal have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League game against Crystal Palace this weekend, with Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori expected to return to action.
Declan Rice, who missed Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Palace on Wednesday with a minor injury, is set to rejoin the squad. His return will provide much-needed stability in midfield as the Gunners look to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool.
Meanwhile, summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is also set to return. The 22-year-old Italian has endured a difficult debut season at Arsenal, plagued by injuries.
Calafiori has suffered several setbacks this season, including a calf problem in September and a knee injury in late October that kept him out for more than a month. His most recent issue in late November forced him to miss five more games. (Transfer market)
Despite their injury woes, Calafiori’s return could add much-needed depth to Arsenal’s defensive options as they approach a hectic fixture schedule.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s game, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Rice and Calafiori are back. When asked about his fitness, he said (via Arsenal Official Website): “Both are available to join the squad.”
League Cup drama sets up the possibility of a possible North London Derby final
Arsenal’s midweek League Cup victory over Crystal Palace came thanks to a sensational hat-trick in the second half by Gabriel Jesus, a player who has been linked with a estrangement. Former Gunner Eddie Nketiah pulled one back for Palace in the dying moments after Mateta had given Palace the lead early in the first half, but Mikel Arteta’s side held on to secure a place in the semi-finals .
The Gunners face giants Newcastle United in the next round, while their north London rivals Tottenham play Liverpool in the other semi-final. This opens up the tantalizing prospect of a North London Derby final if both Arsenal and Spurs progress.
For now, Arsenal’s attention is back on the Premier League as they prepare for another clash with Crystal Palace. With the return of key players, Arteta will be hoping to get three points and close the gap between his side and leaders Liverpool.
