Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a detailed update on the injury situation following the Gunners’ hard-fought win over Crystal Palace, and while several key players were forced off, the overall news appears encouraging.
After a bruising 90 minutes at Selhurst Park, Arteta confirmed that William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel Martinelli all suffered knocks, while Bukayo Saka was withdrawn due to illness. Despite the alarming list, none of the issues appear to be long-term.
Saliba’s early exit raises eyebrows
Star defender William Saliba was forced off at half-time, raising immediate concerns among fans. Arteta revealed that the Frenchman “had to be out” for the second half after feeling a problem significant enough not to risk further play. Thankfully, there was “nothing obvious in-game” to suggest a serious injury. Early indications point to a minor issue, with a quick recovery expected.
Rice nursing a knock
Midfield enforcer Declan Rice, who has been pivotal in Arsenal’s engine room, also came off late in the second half. From the footage, it appeared to be a calf contusion following a strong challenge from a Palace player. Arteta hinted it was precautionary, and sources close to the team suggest the England star should be back in training within a week.
Calafiori’s discomfort likely fatigue
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori was another late withdrawal after experiencing some discomfort. “Again, no clear mechanism on broadcast,” one insider noted, which often points to muscle tightness or fatigue rather than structural damage. Calafiori was seen walking off unaided, a positive sign that his issue is not serious.
Martinelli concern grows slightly
Gabriel Martinelli, who finished the game visibly feeling “something,” might be the biggest concern on Arteta’s list. Arsenal haven’t confirmed whether it’s muscular, but the symptoms suggest mild tightness or a simple strain. For a player who relies heavily on explosive pace, this could indicate early hamstring or adductor tightness. If it’s just fatigue, he could return within a week, but a strain might sideline him for a couple of weeks.
Saka’s situation clarified
As for Bukayo Saka, Arteta explained that his withdrawal was planned and precautionary. The winger, who had been ill during the week, was only partially fit heading into the match.
“He’s been ill, he hasn’t trained really, so we didn’t know whether he was going to be fit, so he made a big effort to be available today,” Arteta said. “The doctor was brilliant as well to guide us, to give us the best opportunity for him to be in the best possible condition, so he’s managed to play a few minutes. The longer the game went on, the more he was going to fatigue and risk an injury, and we didn’t want to take that risk.”
The bigger picture
While the sheer number of players affected might raise alarm bells, Arsenal’s injury list appears more precautionary than catastrophic. Arteta and his medical team seem focused on player management and rotation, especially with a busy fixture list and cup competitions looming.
In short, there’s relief across North London: nothing here screams long-term. Arsenal are simply being cautious, preserving their stars for the bigger battles ahead in their Premier League title chase.
