Mikel Arteta is not expected to make significant changes from the last Arsenal game, as David Raya could be the only returning personnel.
Mikel Arteta will want a stern answer from his Arsenal stars as they resume competitive action after a recent warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The Gunners are eager to avoid four straight defeats in all competitions as they host Crystal Palace at the Emirates.
Arteta spoke about various subjects during his press conference, including the prospect of Jurrien Timber featuring again this season. He also updated on the latest injury news and touched on rumours circling Emile Smith-Rowe and a possible exit from Arsenal.
On the injury front and the possibility of players returning, Arteta said, “We still have a few unfortunately on that list that we haven’t managed to get back yet, but hopefully they are much closer and some of them are in a better place than we expected. Individually, I’m not going to tell you exactly how everybody is, but we are still missing a few.”
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber has started running on the grass, which is seen as a significant boost in his recovery. Arteta spoke about him and insisted a return later in the season remained a possibility. However, he played down the prospects of the Dutch defender returning anytime soon.
Arteta said, “There is a possibility, but at the moment, he is still very, very far from competing. That’s the reality of it. We’re hopeful that he can have an impact at the end of the season if everything goes well, and it looks like there is a chance that that might happen, but I think it’s too early to make that call.”
The Gunners boss also reiterated the belief he had in Emile Smith Rowe, who is linked with a move to West Ham. Arteta insisted the attacker was on the right path in his squad and praised his training. “I’m really happy with Emile; he’s on the right trajectory now he’s settled, and he’s training really well. You know that I’m not going to talk about any individual situation.”
The injury list remains the same as it was when Arsenal took on Liverpool in the FA Cup. The return of Fabio Vieira in training may give Arteta a few more options off the bench. But beyond that, no other player has come close to returning.
Gabriel Jesus was also spotted training in Dubai, but Arteta might stay cautious about picking him straight away. Overall, he is unlikely to make any changes to his playing eleven, barring the return of David Raya in goal in place of Aaron Ramsdale.
With Oleksandr Zinchenko also absent from action, the chances of Jakub Kiwior keeping his place at left-back are clear. Ben White may have recovered from his niggling problem and will start at right back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have stayed fit, as Arteta will want continuation in their central partnership.
Jorginho could again start in the holding midfield role, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard on either side of the Italian. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are prime choices for the wide attacking roles, while Kai Havertz will keep his spot at the tip of the Arsenal attack.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
