Good news for the gunners as Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice are available for selection for the next match

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed Declan Rice is available to face Crystal Palace after missing their Carabao Cup win over the Eagles.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international missed at the Emirates in midweek due to a minor injury. However, the club and manager Arteta have confirmed both Rice and defender Riccardo Calafiori are fit for the Premier League clash at Selhurst Park this weekend.

WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Arteta told reporters on Friday: “They [Rice and Calafiori] are both available to be in the squad.”

The club added that defenders with their respective knee injuries, while left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko could be available.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal cannot afford to fall further behind Premier League pacesetters Liverpool and Chelsea, with the Gunners six and four points back respectively. And having Calafiori and Rice back fit is a big boost for Arteta’s men.

WHAT NEXT?

After taking on Palace on Saturday, third-placed Arsenal return to the Emirates next Friday to host lowly Ipswich Town in the Premier League.