Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are likely to welcome Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko into the matchday squad for Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace.
The trio were all absent in midweek Carabao Cup win over the Eagleswith Calafiori spending two weeks on the sidelines and Zinchenko missing close to a month of action due to various causes fitness issues.
ArsenalThe injury battle appears to be easing, however, as Arteta told a press conference that all three players are expected to return to action this weekend.
“(Rice and Calafiori) are both available to be in the squad,” Arteta said. “Zinchenko is probably also available.”
A slip of the tongue saw Arteta seemingly reveal that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was also close to a comeback, but the Arsenal manager later confirmed that the 26-year-old, who has battled a knee injury all season, remains unavailable.
Ben White remains sidelined with a knee injury, but Arsenal will welcome back-up goalkeeper Neto to the squad after the Bournemouth loanee was lined up for the midweek clash with Palace.
Arsenal go into the match six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have played a game less than the Gunners. Arteta's side have also slipped four points behind Chelsea, but both gaps could be closed as the two sides face Tottenham Hotspur and Everton respectively on Sunday.