Saka Fit for Palace Clash as Arsenal Navigate Fixture Pile-Up
Arsenal host Crystal Palace tonight in a crucial Premier League fixture, but all eyes are also on next week’s UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. With just six days separating the two games, Mikel Arteta faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining momentum and protecting key players.
Bukayo Saka Fitness Update: Boost Ahead of Palace Match
In positive news for Arsenal fans, Bukayo Saka appears to have recovered from the knock he sustained in the recent victory over Ipswich Town. The winger limped off after a reckless challenge from Leif Davis, who was subsequently sent off. Despite being seen with ice on his Achilles post-match, Arteta offered a reassuring update:
“We have to wait and see now how he reacts after the session, but it is nothing too serious… I think he will have a good chance to play tomorrow.”
Still, with a massive European fixture looming, Arteta may choose to limit Saka’s minutes or rest him entirely.
Injury Update: Key Arsenal Players Ruled Out
While Saka’s return is a boost, Arsenal’s injury list remains a concern. The Gunners will be without several key players, including:
- Jorginho (ribs)
- Riccardo Calafiori (knee)
- Gabriel (hamstring)
- Kai Havertz (hamstring)
- Gabriel Jesus (knee)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)
Arteta confirmed the absences in his pre-match press conference:
“Ricky is out and Jorgi unfortunately as well… and I think Jorgi will be out for a few weeks.”
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI vs Crystal Palace
Given the injury concerns and need to manage fitness, a rotated starting XI is expected. Leandro Trossard, fresh off a brace against Ipswich, is likely to keep his place. Promising youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly could also feature prominently.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Raya
Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Odegaard, Partey, Rice
Forwards: Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Match Information: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
- Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM BST
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Referee: Michael Salisbury
- Live Coverage: Sky Sports & NOW
