Arsenal are due to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, but the Gunners could be without one of their key players after it was discovered that he is missing from the club’s training photos.
Bukayo Saka’s availability for Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace is in doubt. This comes after the star player was missing from practice photos shared by the club over the weekend.
The Gunners posted a series of snaps from their Sober Realty training center on Saturday afternoon as the north London side finished preparations for Sunday’s Premier League clash with the Eagles.
Pierro Hincapie and Martin Zvimendi were all smiles during the session, but supporters quickly noticed that Saka’s photo was missing from the selection. One fan questioned, “Isn’t Saka there?” Meanwhile, another added: “Can’t find Saka.”
read more: Thierry Henry changes his mind over title chances, Arsenal make bold statementread more: Mikel Arteta boldly approves of Arsenal team, targets ‘world-class’ star
The winger played the full 90 minutes of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, with goals from Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli and a brace from Víctor Goqueres helping his side to a 4-0 victory, Football London reports.
Gabriel sustained a bruise during the game and Mikel Arteta discussed the situation ahead of Sunday’s game, but nothing was mentioned about Saka. Speaking about the injury at a press conference on Friday, the Spaniard said: “Not that much.
“Obviously, big Gabi had to leave the pitch with a problem and he hasn’t been able to train yet. So let’s see how he evolves in the next 24 hours, whether he’s available for the weekend or not.”
The Gunners will be without several key players when they host Palace. Martin Odegaard is unlikely to return until after the international break in November due to a knee injury.
Kai Havertz, who also has a knee injury, is in the same situation. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out of the match against Palace, with Jesus expected to return to the pitch in the new year.
Saka has already missed several games this season with a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old missed the game against Liverpool at the end of August, as well as the games against Athletic Club and Nottingham Forest in September.
There has been no official word on his availability, but considering his impact on the field this season, his absence could be a significant loss.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has also had to battle his own injury problems despite the club’s good form this season. Cheik Doucoure, Caleb Cupolha and Chadi Riyad will all miss the next game due to long-term injuries.
Arsenal aim to remain top of the Premier League for the duration of the match and currently hold a two-point lead over second-placed Sunderland, but they moved up the table with a last-minute 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Palace, on the other hand, currently sit in ninth place in the league table after winning three, drawing four and losing one in their first eight matches.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Up to 60% off Premier League kits and merchandise
various
fanatic
Click here to purchase sale items
Fanatics has taken up to 60% off football kits and merchandise. Until Sunday, fans can find discounted products from Premier League clubs including Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs and more.
