Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side have been hit with yet another injury setback, just hours after the manager confirmed that four key players picked up knocks during their clash with Crystal Palace. The news comes at a tense time for the Gunners, who are battling to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League table as the season heats up.
Despite earning a narrow 1–0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday that stretched their lead to four points above Bournemouth, the victory felt more like a curse wrapped in celebration. Arsenal fans were left both delighted and anxious, knowing the three points came at a painful cost with multiple first-team stars walking off injured.
The match had its bright moments — Eberechi Eze, facing his former club, netted his first-ever goal for Arsenal, a poetic touch that electrified the Emirates crowd. But as the final whistle blew, the cheers were mixed with concern. Arteta now finds himself juggling lineup worries, with several names potentially sidelined ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Defensive rock William Saliba was the first casualty, coming off at halftime due to discomfort that the club is still assessing. Though Arteta didn’t disclose the severity, online analyst Physio Scout reassured fans that there was “no obvious sign of a major injury,” hinting the Frenchman could return quickly. Still, any absence for Saliba — a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense — would be felt deeply.
Declan Rice, who played a pivotal role in setting up the winning goal, also limped off late in the game. Initial reports suggest a calf contusion following a collision with a Palace player. Physio Scout’s early prognosis seems hopeful, predicting no more than a week on the sidelines, but Rice’s potential absence remains a blow to Arsenal’s midfield stability.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori, another standout performer this season, appeared to suffer nothing more than fatigue. He exited the pitch looking comfortable, and team insiders believe his substitution was precautionary. That’s at least one bit of relief for Arteta, whose defensive options are already stretched thin.
The biggest worry, however, revolves around Gabriel Martinelli. Although he managed to finish the game, he reported discomfort afterward — and medical checks have now hinted at a possible hamstring issue. For a player whose game relies heavily on explosive pace and sprinting, this kind of injury could mean a two-week spell or longer on the sidelines, depending on whether it’s tightness or a strain.
As if that weren’t enough, news broke later that another Arsenal player has sustained a fresh hamstring injury in training — compounding Arteta’s troubles. With Brighton and Burnley coming up within days, the Gunners’ title hopes may now hinge on how quickly these key men can recover. What should have been a week of triumph has turned into one of tension, as Arsenal’s squad depth faces its biggest test yet.
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