Arsenal 1-0 victory over Palace, kept them four points clear at the top of the Premier League, however, this was clouded by new injury worries after four key players were forced off with knocks. The names are William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Post Match Assessment
Mikel Arteta confirmed the injuries following the match. He revealed that he was concerned but optimistic they would get good news after a more thorough check. “With Declan, I don’t really know,” Arteta said. “It was a knock. I don’t know if it was the calf or the Achilles or what it was”. Arteta also revealed that another summer signing Riccardo Calafiori was also an injury concern. Whereas Gabriel Martinelli “felt something” and was “a bit uncomfortable” after coming on as a substitute, with the club looking for a potential muscular injury.
The Immediate Impact and Context
The Gunners are not currently in an ideal situation. The club is already without some of their best players including captain Martin Ødegaard, Havertz, and Noni Madueke . They will assess the fitness of the four players with injuries and make sure the victory is not clouded ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth round match of against Brighton at the Emirates on October 30.
Arteta is thinking of changing the squad. Moreover, with the injuries we’ve seen it’s unlikely he is going to risk those players. It took the toll physically, of course, but it was good to have everybody in a good mood, plus Declan Rice, who had fitness worries earlier in the day, posted on social media ‘+3 against a tough opponent’ before finishing with the club’s mantra of ‘Let just keep building.’
Author’s Opinion
The next few days will be pivotal. Arsenal’s medical staff evaluate the state of Saliba, Rice, Calafiori and Martinelli on Tuesday. Arteta will need to develop plans with an uptick in schedule including a Premier League north London derby against rivals Tottenham on November 23.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
