Arsenal manager Mikel Areta announced that Bukayo Saka had “good chances” against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening and, despite the impending semi-final of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, does not plan to make many changes.
Saka made his long -awaited, highly expected and urgently needed return after 101 days on the edge with a thigh injury at the beginning of this month. The talisman striker scored six minutes after his comeback and was in excellent form in both legs of Arsenal’s quarter -finals of the victorious Champions League against Real Madrid.
However, Saka was eliminated after a ruthless challenge by Leif Davis of Ipswich Town, who brought a red card to the full -back on Sunday. The English international was seen on the bench on his ankle, which had been the fears of further discharge in front of Arsenal’s first semi -finals of the Champions League for 16 years.
Areta played concerns at the weekend and repeated his confidence in Saka’s recovery. “We have to wait and see how he reacts after today’s session, but there is nothing too serious,” the Arsenal boss revealed one day before his side facial crystal palace on Wednesday evening. “If we want, I think there is a good chance that he can play tomorrow.”
Arsenal has a six-day gap between her Premier League conflict with Palace in the Emirates and the visit of PSG next Tuesday, but Areteta was still asked whether he would consider several changes to the competition a week. “We can’t think about it,” insista. “If the players are fit and available, they have to play. They are best when they play and are constant in their performances.
“You are physically good, you are emotionally good, you understand the rhythm and the way you make decisions is in top form. If you are not available, there is no discussion. If you are not in a state, you won’t play. If you are, we will do it.”
“There is a balance to beat,” continued Areta, “you have to make sure that you are reasonable for your decision -making. But we have a top employee to lead ourselves to say what we do and what the risks are. But everything can happen in football.”
The Arsenal boss also revealed that Riccardo Calafiori and especially Jorgho are “out”. “Unfortunately, Jorginho will be outside for a few weeks,” revealed Arteta.
Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg of Arsenal’s semi -final against PSG and robs the shooters of an important midfielder that Jorgho would normally have replaced.