Mikel Arteta drops new Declan Rice update as Arsenal prepare for Crystal Palace | OneFootball

The Gunners are still battling with some knocks heading into this match.

Mikel Arteta will have Declan Rice available for Wednesday night's EFL Cup tie between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, but defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko won't be fit enough to play.

It's been a long time since the Gunners' last regular season trophy. None of their supporters were able to watch their FA Cup victory in 2020 live as it was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For as much success as the Spaniard has had in the last couple of seasons, in terms of league performance, silverware has largely avoided him. This year's EFL Cup might provide him with his best opportunity.

To lift the cup at Wembley, Arsenal will first have to get past Palace. The Eagles have been on a better run of form as of late, taking four points from matches against Manchester City and away at rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Oliver Glasner's side will provide a tough test; one that the Gunners won't be at full strength for.

Calafiori and Zinchenko to miss Arsenal's EFL Cup match vs Crystal Palace

Arteta has revealed that two of his left-back options - Calafiori and Zinchenko - will be unavailable for the game in midweek at The Emirates.

18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has started the club's last two games in this position, against AS Monaco in the Champions League and versus Everton in the league, and could well make it a hat-trick of first XI appearances.

Arsenal have suffered many injuries this season, as have many teams, but they have had a slight boost in this regard as Rice will be fit to feature against Palace, Arteta revealed.

"He’s fine. We will make the decision on whether he’s available or not," said the boss on the England midfielder on Tuesday, via Football London. "Alex [Zinchenko] and Riccy [Calafiori] will still be out of the squad for tomorrow."

Loanee goalkeeper Neto also cannot play because he is cup tied thanks to an early round game he played for AFC Bournemouth at the start of the season before joining the Gunners. He is yet to make an appearance for the club.

Arsenal can't afford to underestimate Crystal Palace

In terms of pure form, these two teams aren't in too dissimilar a vein. Arsenal have won three and drawn twice in their last five in all competitions; it's the other way round for the Eagles, and they have gone up against the likes of Brighton, Man City and Aston Villa in that span.

It's a well documented problem that Arsenal, of late, have struggled to break down low-sitting, compact defences. Palace, with their three/five-at-the-back formation, have the ability to frustrate Arsenal and hurt them on the counter.

The home advantage will help, but they certainly shouldn't be taking this one lightly, despite the gap in league position.