Mikel Arteta confirms triple Arsenal injury boost ahead of Crystal Palace clash | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are likely to welcome Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko back to the matchday squad for Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace.

The trio were all absent for the midweek Carabao Cup victory over the Eagles, with Calafiori spending two weeks on the sidelines and Zinchenko missing closer to one month of action because of various fitness issues.

Arsenal's injury battle appears to be easing, however, as Arteta told a press conference that all three players are expected back in action this weekend.

"[Rice and Calafiori] are both available to be in the squad," Arteta said. "Zinchenko probably available as well."

A slip of the tongue saw Arteta seemingly reveal that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was also close to a comeback, but the Arsenal boss later confirmed that the 26-year-old, who has been battling a knee injury all season, remains unavailable.

Ben White remains out with a knee injury of his own, but Arsenal will welcome backup goalkeeper Neto back to the squad after the Bournemouth loanee was cup tied for the midweek clash with Palace.

Arsenal head into the game six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer than the Gunners. Arteta's side have also slipped four points behind Chelsea, but both gaps can be closed as the two sides face Tottenham Hotspur and Everton respectively on Sunday.