Rice, Calafiori, Tierney - Arsenal injury news and return dates for Crystal Palace

For the second match in a row, thanks to the fixture Gods, Arsenal will take on Crystal Palace. In what could be viewed as the more important meeting, Mikel Arteta will have an eye on his squad's fitness.

A hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus helped Arsenal overcome Palace in Wednesday's Cararabo Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium but the chance to make ground in the Premier League title race looms. Before both Chelsea and Liverpool play on Sunday, the Gunners travel to Selhurst Park.

Arteta was able to rotate his team slightly for the visit of Oliver Glasner in the cup but will likely be keen to return to a full strength side here. Arsenal know that they could end the weekend fourth and behind Nottingham Forest, as well as seven points off Chelsea and nine from Liverpool (who also have a game in hand) if they slip up.

football.london has the latest injury news ahead of the match.

Declan Rice

injury: Unknown.

Declan Rice was forced off during Arsenal's clash against Everton at the weekend after suffering a knock. He was in the stands for Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace.

What Arteta has said: "Rice and Calafiori are both available to be in the squad.”

Potential return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Saturday, December 21.

Kieran Tierney

Injury: N/A.

The left-back started his first game of the season for Arsenal but had to be taken off in the second half. He lasted almost 70 minutes in a first match for the club since August 2023.

What Arteta has said: [Was it a new injury?] "No, cramp.

Potential return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Saturday, December 21.

Riccardo Calafiori

injury: Unknown.

Riccardo Calafiori has missed the last three games for Arsenal with a groin injury. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Gunners' clash against Everton, Arteta confirmed that the 22-year-old defender was close to returning from the treatment room.

What Arteta has said: "Rice and Calafiori are both available to be in the squad.”

Potential return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Saturday, December 21.

Ben White

injury: Knee.

Ben White underwent a minor procedure last month to resolve a joint problem that had been causing him problems, football.london understands. White had been playing through pain prior to that.

What Arteta has said: "Zinchenko is probably available as well."

Potential return date: 2025.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

injury: Muscular.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been nursing a muscle injury, missing the last three games for Arsenal. He has struggled to maintain fitness for some time now,

What Arteta has said: "We are missing a lot of players in the backline. The good thing is that whatever we put there they respond. They respond with a good attitude and performance."

Potential return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Saturday, December 21.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

injury: Knee.

Takehiro Tomiyasu remains out of action with a knee injury. The defender missed the large majority of last season with a calf problem and he's played just six minutes this term. Despite confusion, he is not in contention to play against Crystal Palace.

What Arteta has said: "Tomiyasu is not available for selection."

Potential return date: 2025.

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