Mikel Arteta met with the press ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
The main concern for Arsenal is the fitness of Bukayo Saka who was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle in the weekend’s game against Ipswich.
Taken off in the second half, Saka was seen with ice strapped around his ankle but after the game, Arteta didn’t seem too worried.
Now, with Palace on the horizon in a game of little stakes for either side, beyond keeping players fit for their respective semi-finals, Arteta has given another update.
“Yeah, we have to wait and see how he reacts after the session,” Arteta told reporters, confirming that Saka had trained. “Hopefully nothing too serious. Yeah, if we want [play him] there will be a good chance.”
As for Riccardo Calafiori, who was expected to be back by now from the knee problem he picked up on international duty, he’s still not ready.
Jorginho, meanwhile, will ‘be out for a few weeks’ with the the rib injury he picked up after being undercut against Brentford.
Arsenal will also be without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel.
Palace arrive with a short injury list. Chadi Riad Dnanou and Cheick Doucouré are both out for the season with knee injuries, while Christopher Richards is suspended following a red card.