Mikel Arteta Shares Latest Injury Update Ahead of Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Against Crystal Palace
Arsenal aim to maintain momentum across multiple competitions during a busy festive period.
The Gunners will face Crystal Palace twice in quick succession, starting with Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates, followed by a Premier League clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening. A home game against Ipswich Town is set for next Friday, before Arsenal’s 2025 schedule begins with a New Year’s Day fixture against Brentford. Meanwhile, the January transfer window will open, with Arsenal already linked to high-profile targets, though one rumored signing has reportedly declined interest.
With a packed schedule ahead, Mikel Arteta is hopeful for positive updates on the injury front as key players work to regain fitness. Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s squad injuries and potential return dates ahead of Wednesday’s clash:
Declan Rice
The England midfielder, capped 62 times, was substituted during the weekend’s draw with Everton due to a “little niggle.” Arteta suggested Rice will likely sit out the midweek Carabao Cup tie but could return for Saturday’s Premier League match. Speaking about Rice, Arteta said:
“With Declan, I had to take him out… He has been dealing with a little niggle over the last week. We had to sub him at that moment.”
Possible return date: This weekend.
Ben White
White has been sidelined since the 1-1 draw against Arsenal due to a serious knee injury requiring surgery. Last month, Arteta confirmed:
“Ben will be out for months. We had to make a decision recently to protect the player, which led to the surgery.”
Possible return date: Mid-March 2025.
Riccardo Calafiori
The summer signing has been recovering from a knee injury for the past three weeks but is nearing full fitness. Arteta emphasized the importance of adhering to the medical department’s timeline, saying Calafiori is “very close” to returning.
Possible return date: This weekend.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The versatile defender has made only one Premier League appearance this season, during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton in October. He has faced ongoing setbacks in recovering from a knee injury and was given time away from the club to focus on his rehabilitation.
Possible return date: Unknown.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian defender has not played since the 2-0 win over Manchester United earlier this month due to a knock but is expected to return for the festive fixtures.
Possible return date: This weekend.
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