Arsenal have been handed a triple fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, but fears are growing over a long-term absence for William Saliba. The French centre-back was forced off during the first half of Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon with a back injury.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saliba is set for further tests, but early indications suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks. The 22-year-old has started every league game this season and is likely to withdraw from the France squad for the upcoming international break.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who also left the field injured against Sporting, is expected to be out for an extended period after leaving the stadium on crutches. However, there is better news for Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who are all ‘winning the race’ to be fit for the visit of Crystal Palace.
Arteta lamented his side’s injury woes, noting that several key players have suffered long-term problems throughout the campaign, including Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Eddie Nketiah. “We’ve been carrying injuries all season,” he said. “But we have to recover and put all focus on the next game.”
The Gunners will look to bounce back from their European exit as they continue their Premier League title push against a managerless Crystal Palace side at the Emirates Stadium.
