Saka in contention as Arteta plays down injury fears ahead of Palace clash

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is likely to be available for Arsenal’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, easing fears over the winger’s fitness ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Saka was substituted in the second half of Sunday’s 4–0 win at Ipswich Town after a first-half challenge from Leif Davis, who was later sent off. The 22-year-old continued briefly before being taken off, prompting concerns about a potential layoff.

However, speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Arteta was optimistic about Saka’s chances of featuring at the Emirates Stadium. “We have to wait and see how he reacts after the session, but it’s nothing too serious,” Arteta said. “If we want to, I think he would have a good chance to play tomorrow.”

Despite Arsenal sitting 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool with little left to play for domestically, Arteta insisted he would not rest players unnecessarily. “We cannot think in those terms,” he said. “When the players are fit and available and want to play, they have to play.”

Arsenal, who are aiming to delay Liverpool’s title celebrations, will not play again until they host PSG in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. Arteta welcomed the gap in fixtures. “It’s good to have a little gap because we are really short in numbers,” he said.

Midfielder Jorginho is expected to miss a few weeks, while Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined.

“Our incentive is to win our game and to do our best,” Arteta added.

(Source: AFP)