3 things Arsenal really need from this weekend

3. Help on the Injury Front

Arteta provided updates on the three potential absentees for Arsenal in his press conference, with positive news in the case of Bukayo Saka who is back training after recovering from Covid.

The ones to look out for are Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu, although only one of them looks like being in with a meaningful chance of being available. Tomiyasu has been in training and would join up with his teammates for harder sessions over the weekend, meaning he has a chance on involvement in some capacity for Monday.

Ramsdale is a doubt, though, and there is no reason to risk him, although with Palace being a team who like to press high and limit the opposition defenders’ time on the ball, his distribution through the lines and over the back for Martinelli would be a welcome addition. Leno’s length of time out saw him look very rusty in that department against Villa.

But it’s not just on Arsenal’s side where a helping hand might do, with Vieira still not ruling out the possibility of Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha overcoming their respective issues to feature.

Initially appearing to be out of contention, while one should never wish ill of another player, if they can just stay injured for a tiny bit longer there would be no complaints from Arsenal’s side.

Both players are in good form and Palace’s attacking options after them include the unfavoured Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew. It’s an easy decision to make on who you’d rather face.