Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared that the club are still waiting for a full medical assessment on William Saliba and Declan Rice after they picked up injuries during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
The Gunners secured a hard-fought win at the Emirates Stadium in a tense encounter.
The London derby was decided by a superb strike from Eberechi Eze, which helped Arsenal maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table with 22 points from nine matches.
Saliba and Rice forced off in Palace win
Saliba was taken off at half-time and replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera, while Rice was substituted in the 82nd minute for Mikel Merino after appearing to struggle with a knock.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Arteta admitted that the club are still uncertain about the severity of both injuries.
“The first one was Willy (Saliba) that obviously had to be out after the first half, Declan as well was struggling from the first half with a knock that he took. Ricky as well, so let’s see how that will go.”
The manager went on to add that it is too early to determine the exact nature of the problem.
“I do not want to tell you because I do not really know. On Willy there are two things related to his substitution and with Declan I do not really know because it was a knock, but I do not know if it was the calf or the Achilles or what exactly it was.”
He concluded by saying the club would have more clarity after further tests.
“We will know more tomorrow.”
Focus shifts to EFL Cup
Following their narrow win, Arsenal will turn their attention to the EFL Cup fourth round, where they face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates.
The Gunners sit top of the league and will be keen to keep their momentum going despite the injury worries surrounding two of their key players.
Arteta will be hoping for positive news on both Saliba and Rice as the club enters a busy stretch of fixtures across multiple competitions.
