Arsenal picks up FOUR injuries as Liverpool gets title race boost

1 week ago 9

Declan Rice was forced to leave the pitch during the closing stages of Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace due to a right leg injury - with the Gunners picking up FOUR injuries in the game.

By that time, Arsenal was already playing without William Saliba, who had been substituted at half-time. Cristhian Mosquera took over from the French international, adding to the injury concerns for the Premier League leaders, especially as Gabriel Magalhaes had entered the match under an injury cloud.

Arsenal's victory on Sunday leaves Mikel Arteta's players four points clear at the top of the table and seven points clear of Liverpool.

It's too early to say how serious the injuries to Rice and Saliba are, but the Gunners need them both to be fit and healthy if they want to maintain their grasp on the title race. Arteta has confirmed that both players have picked up injuries, and he also raised concerns about Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli.

"William Saliba felt some pain, Declan was the same," said Arteta to Sky Sports at full-time. 

Speaking to the media, he added: "Willy had to be out after the first half. Declan was struggling with a knock he took, Richy (Calafiori) as well."

William Saliba also picked up an injury on Sunday

William Saliba also picked up an injury on Sunday

That means Rice, Saliba, Calafiori, and Martinelli may have all picked up injuries on Sunday.

Liverpool fans will be hoping Arsenal suffers an injury crisis after falling a long way back in the title race. The Reds have lost four consecutive games to leave their dream of retaining the championship in tatters.

Midway through the second half on Sunday, Arteta also decided to pull Bukayo Saka from the game after the winger apparently did not train with the team this week. Martinelli replaced the England international but was seen limping down the tunnel after the final whistle.

Piero Hincapie made his Premier League debut when he came on for Riccardo Calafiori at the same time as Rice's departure. The final substitution saw goalscorer Eberechi Eze replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Eze's first goal for the club, against his former team, extended Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to four points following Aston Villa's victory over Manchester City.

Bournemouth moved into second place after its 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest, while Sunderland is just a point behind following their 2-1 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, worries about Arsenal's escalating injury problems are only intensifying. Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke are already sidelined for approximately a month due to knee injuries, with Gabriel Jesus not expected back until the New Year.

The Gunners will kick off November with a journey to Burnley, marking the start of three consecutive away games after a trio of home matches. Slavia Praha is next on the agenda in the Champions League, followed by a trip to Sunderland before the final international break of the year.

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