Mikel Arteta Rules on Injuries to Four Arsenal Players After Crystal Palace Win

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace was marred by fresh fitness worries as William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli all left with knocks. Punters should expect potential rotation and late team changes; Arsenal remain strong in the title market, but avoid same-game multis depending on a full-strength XI — consider cautious outrights or under/total markets instead.

Arsenal’s Narrow Win Shadowed by Growing Injury Concerns

Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 1-0, but the victory was overshadowed by a string of fitness issues that could affect selection in upcoming Premier League and cup fixtures. Eberechi Eze opened his account against the Gunners, yet it was the post-match fitness bulletin that dominated headlines as several starters left the pitch sore or substituted early.

Key Players Affected: Saliba, Rice, Calafiori and Martinelli

William Saliba did not return for the second half after feeling discomfort at halftime. Although the centre back had been reliable since returning from an ankle twist at the end of August, he was replaced at the interval and is now a doubt for near-term matches.

Declan Rice, known for his durability and nickname “The Horse,” limped off inside the final 10 minutes after picking up a knock in the first half. Riccardo Calafiori left the pitch around the same time with related issues. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who played 25 minutes, reported feeling “something” and was described as a bit uncomfortable.

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Manager Comments and Uncertainty

Mikel Arteta was cautious and non-specific on details: “On Willy, there are two things related to his substitution… he had to be out after the first half.” On Rice: “Declan was struggling with a knock that he took from the first half.” Regarding Martinelli, Arteta said: “He felt something… we have to check that one. He was a bit uncomfortable.” The manager admitted he didn’t have full clarity on every issue, leaving the club’s medical updates vague.

Implications for Squad Rotation and Upcoming Fixtures

Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested if any of these knocks persist. Expect possible rotation for cup ties and Premier League matches while the club manages recovery and mitigates injury risk. Past behavior suggests the manager may withhold full information on minor knocks until clearer diagnoses are available.

Betting Implications

In the short term, bettors should factor in the risk of late withdrawals and rotation affecting same-game multi bets and goal markets. Arsenal remain a strong contender in the title market, but match-specific bets that assume a full-strength XI (first-half goals, specific scorers, clean sheet assurances) carry added risk. Consider cautious outrights or totals markets until medical updates clarify player availability.

William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli all had various complaints after Sunday’s victory.

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