The opening game of a Premier League season for Arsenal with a serious level of optimism growing around the club. The signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have brought a higher sense of aspiration.
Mikel Arteta has seen his Arsenal side win six matches across preseason including ten goals scored against Chelsea and Sevilla in their final two games. Selhurst Park has not been the happiest place for the Gunners to go to but the two sides have had contrasting summer windows with the managers equally as opposite in their views of the work done off the field.
Ahead of this Friday’s match, football.london has rounded up all the latest injury news that Arteta has to deal with as a number of key players remain major doubts.
READ MORE: Arsenal recieve boost ahead of Crystal Palace clash as Patrick Vieira raises squad concerns
Fabio Vieira
The new boy is yet to get any minutes with the team on the field into his legs. Fabio Vieira suffered a minor foot problem with on international duty before he arrived at the club and continued his rehabilitation with them.
Vieira has been working outside and even teased fans of a return with an Instagram story. He has a good chance of being on the bench for tomorrow and with five substitutions now available some late minutes could be given if the match state suits.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – August 9th
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu has also been training outside and is expected to return soon. He will face serious competition for his place with Ben White and William Saliba the right and centre-backs for now.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – August 9th
Kieran Tierney
Like Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney is also training outside and is expected to feature in the squad if he responded to Thursday’s training session.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – August 9th
Emile Smith-Rowe
Of the four, Emile Smith-Rowe is expected to be the one to miss out. Despite playing against Nurnberg in preseason, he did not feature whilst away on the US tour.
Expected return date: Leicester City (H) – August 13th
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta unlocks planned Gabriel Jesus Arsenal role with surprise bargain La Liga transfer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Arsenal 'mystery winger' signing part of Edu's transfer 'rebalance' to close out the window
