Arsenal could be handed a timely boost ahead of their Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown with Crystal Palace, with the Eagles struggling to cope with an expanding injury list.
The Gunners are preparing to host Oliver Glasner’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, with a prized semi-final place up for grabs. Arsenal have reached the last four twice in the previous five seasons, although they have not featured in the final since 2018.
In contrast, Palace enjoyed FA Cup glory last term, lifting the trophy, but their Carabao Cup campaign has proven far less successful. They were knocked out at this exact stage last season by Arsenal and have not reached the semi-finals since 2012.
Both clubs were involved in Premier League fixtures on Saturday evening, with Arsenal edging out Everton 1-0 courtesy of a Viktor Gyokeres penalty, while Palace endured a setback away at Leeds United.
The short turnaround before Tuesday’s tie presents challenges for both sides, though it is particularly problematic for Palace, who are contending with a worsening injury crisis. The loss at Elland Road was merely the first concern for Glasner this weekend, with further availability doubts compounding his problems, according to Football London.
Palace’s situation is further complicated by the absence of Ismalia Sarr, who has departed to represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal begin their tournament against Botswana on Tuesday.
Defender Daniel Munoz continues to be sidelined with a knee issue that requires surgery. He is not expected to return until late January at the earliest, effectively ruling him out of the midweek clash.
Glasner explained earlier this month: “It’s bad news. We will miss Dani for a few weeks and he will undergo surgery. The prognosis is four to six weeks, then he should be ready to play. But always, when you undergo surgery, you never know. We are always cautious. It doesn’t look so serious.”
Palace are also keeping a close eye on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been nursing a knee complaint over recent weeks. Although he featured in the defeat to Leeds, he was substituted with just over 10 minutes left.
The congested fixture schedule could leave Glasner facing a selection headache ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, particularly as the Frenchman has been playing through discomfort and his minutes are being managed carefully. His involvement against Arsenal remains in doubt, and any absence would be a major blow for the Eagles.
Adding to Palace’s mounting concerns, Daichi Kamada is set to miss the coming weeks as well. The midfielder sustained a serious hamstring injury earlier this month and is facing an extended spell on the sidelines, meaning he will play no part against the Gunners.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are also dealing with fitness issues of their own, with Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Gabriel all posing defensive selection concerns.