Football Today
·22 December 2024
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·22 December 2024
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double injury blow following the 5-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
The Gunners returned to winning ways in the top flight with a convincing derby victory. The club beat Palace for the second time in four days to keep up in the title race.
There were plenty of standout performers, but the club’s main concern should be the injuries.
The London giants suffered a huge blow in the opening half, with Bukayo Saka substituted in the 24th minute. He picked up a hamstring concern.
Speaking after the game, Arteta revealed that Raheem Sterling also sustained an injury in training.
He told Arsenal.com: “And Raheem as well, we lost Raheem yesterday. We don’t know for how long. So, to lose two players in 24 hours is not good.
“Unfortunately, with the number of games that we play every three days with this schedule, it doesn’t surprise me, but the team will react to that.”
Not many people noticed Sterling’s absence from the matchday squad yesterday. The focus was largely on the return of Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori from injuries.
Sterling has not been in good form for the Gunners, but his unavailability is a big setback, considering Saka could be out for some time.
Gabriel Martinelli impressed as a right winger with his crossing ability at Selhurst Park. The Brazilian could get an extended run from the role in Saka and Sterling’s absence.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.