Seven players could miss Arsenal's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace this weekend as the two teams lock horns for the first time in the top flight this season.
The Gunners know three points against Oliver Glasner's side could consolidate their spot at the top of the Premier League table, with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool on the road to Aston Villa and Brentford.
As things stand, Mikel Arteta's side have a three-point cushion to Pep Guardiola's men in second, while Arne Slot's side have lost three Premier League games on the trot and dropped to third, four points adrift of top spot.
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Arsenal will be without four stars for this weekend's clash at the Emirates and Gabriel Jesus has provided an update on his injury as he continues his long-term rehabilitation.
"I’m feeling great,” he told the Standard. "My knee is responding very well. So now I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do.
"It’s been too long. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.
"So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit, because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.
"When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready."
Martin Odegaard is also set to miss the game with Arteta expecting him to be out for a few more weeks with a knee injury keeping him out of this weekend's clash.
The Gunners will also be without Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke, both of whom are also recovering from knee injuries that will keep them out until next month at the very earliest.
Palace also have injury problems of their own and will be without midfielder Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha and Chadi Riad all long term absentees.
“We’ve no injury concerns – all players are fit, all players look really good, and are in good shape, so we’re ready for our first home game in the Conference League,” Glasner said ahead of the Eagles Europa League clash with AEK Larnaca.
“[We will pick] the best team, like always. We had five days between Bournemouth and Larnaca. The international [players] got two days off to recover, and we’ve prepared yesterday and today – short sessions, but the players look really sharp.
"We will play the best team [against Larnaca]. That makes sense for us, and [then] prepare for Arsenal."
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