Mikel Arteta issues worrying injury updates for four key Arsenal players

Mikel Arteta has issued worrying fitness updates after William Saliba, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli all suffered problems in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Saliba was withdrawn at half-time due to an injury problem while Rice and Calafiori were taken off during the second half with their own respective issues. Martinelli was also seen limping in the tunnel after the game and that has sparked concern.

As expected, Arteta was quizzed about the fitness of his players and he didn't have much to say on their situations and that is likely to be of concern to many Gunners fans.

Mikel Arteta issues worrying injury updates for four key Arsenal players

When asked about Saliba, Rice and Calafiori, Arteta said: "The first one was Willy who had to be taken out after the first half, Declan was struggling from the first half with a knock that he took and Riccy, let’s see how that will go."

He was then questioned on Martinelli's fitness and said: "We have to check that one, he was a bit uncomfortable, he said he felt something. We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not, so tomorrow we’ll have more news."

Of course, it's important not to jump to any conclusions, but it's right for fans and Arteta to be concerned. With Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Martin Ødegaard all currently out with long-term injuries, the last thing Arsenal would need is for more key players to be added to that list.

Saliba, Rice and Calafiori have been key components in the Gunners' success so far this season with their versatility helping them cause problems in attack while also being extremely solid defensively. To be without any of them will be a huge issue.

Martinelli has also shown great improvement during the campaign with his role as a super sub being a particular highlight of his term so far. Madueke is already unavailable and Leandro Trossard hasn't always been a top performer so Arsenal could do without losing another left wing option.

There was one positive to take though as Arteta offered reassurance in regard to Bukayo Saka. The winger was taken off midway through the second half which obviously prompted injury concerns, but his withdrawal was down to a different circumstance.

His manager confirmed that he had been suffering from illness in the build-up to the game, missing some training sessions as a result. However, he fought to be available for Sunday's match, but Arteta did not want to risk anything as he suffered fatigue after half-time, opting to substitute him.

It remains to be seen if Saliba, Rice, Calafiori and Martinelli's issues will be anything serious and it's likely updates will be provided over the next week. Arteta will relish the opportunity to give some of his key players a rest in midweek though as Arsenal host Brighton in the Carabao Cup.