Arsenal have received a big boost ahead of their Premier League match against Crystal Palace this weekend, with Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiore expected to return to action.
Declan Rice, who missed Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 win over Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday due to a minor injury, is set to join the squad. His return will provide much-needed stability in midfield as the Gunners aim to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool.
Meanwhile, summer signing Riccardo Calafiore is also ready to return. The 22-year-old Italian has endured a difficult debut season at Arsenal, plagued by injuries.
Calafiore has suffered several separate setbacks this season, including a calf injury last September and a knee injury in late October, which kept him out for more than a month. His most recent issue in late November forced him to miss five additional games. (Transfer market)
Despite his injury woes, Calafiore's return could add much-needed depth to Arsenal's defensive options as they head into a hectic fixture schedule.
Speaking ahead of the game this weekend, Mikel Arteta confirmed the return of both Rice and Calafiore. When asked about their fitness, he said (Heb The official website of Arsenal): “Both are available to be on the team.”
League Cup drama raises the possibility of a potential north London derby final
Arsenal's midweek League Cup win over Crystal Palace came courtesy of A A wonderful hat-trick in the second half scored by Gabriel Jesus. The player who was Associated with staying away. Former Gunner Eddie Nketiah pulled one back for Palace in the dying moments after Mateta had given Palace the lead earlier in the first half, but Mikel Arteta's side held on to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Gunners are scheduled to face in-form Newcastle United in the next round, while their north London rivals, Tottenham, will play Liverpool in the other semi-final. This opens up the exciting possibility of a North London derby final if both Arsenal and Tottenham qualify.
For now, Arsenal's interest is back in the Premier League as they prepare for another clash with Crystal Palace. With the return of the key players, Arteta hopes to get three points and reduce the gap between his team and the leaders of the table, Liverpool.
