Arsenal spark major injury worry for Crystal Palace as fans uncover surprise hint
Arsenal are set to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, but the Gunners could be without one of their key players after he was spotted missing from the club's training photos
Bukayo Saka's availability for Arsenal's clash with Crystal Palace has been thrown into doubt. It comes after the star was missing from training photos shared by the club at the weekend.
The Gunners posted a series of snaps from the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday afternoon as the north London outfit finalised their preparations for Sunday's Premier League encounter with the Eagles.
While the likes of Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi were all smiles during the session, supporters were quick to spot that no images of Saka featured in the selection. One fan questioned: "No Saka?" whilst another added: "I can't find Saka."
The winger completed the entire 90 minutes during Arsenal's Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, in which the side secured a commanding 4-0 victory courtesy of goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and a brace from Viktor Gyokeres, reports Football London.
Whilst Gabriel sustained a knock during the match, with Mikel Arteta discussing his situation ahead of Sunday's fixture, nothing has been mentioned regarding Saka. Speaking at Friday's press conference about injuries, the Spaniard revealed: "Not much.
"Obviously big Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue, and he hasn't been able to train yet, so let's see how he evolves in the next 24 hours - whether he's available or not for the weekend."
The Gunners are set to host Palace without several key players. Martin Odegaard is unlikely to return until after the November international break due to a knee injury.
Kai Havertz, also nursing a knee injury, is in the same boat. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out of the Palace clash, with Jesus not expected back on the pitch until the New Year.
Saka has already sat out several games this season due to a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old was absent for the Liverpool match at the end of August, as well as fixtures against Athletic Club and Nottingham Forest in September.
While there's no official word on his availability, his potential absence would be a significant loss given his impact on the field this season.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner also has his own injury woes to contend with, despite the club's successful run this season. Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha and Chadi Riad are all long-term casualties and will miss the upcoming match.
Arsenal will be aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League during the fixture, currently holding a two-point lead over second-place Sunderland - who moved up the table with a last-minute 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Palace currently sit in ninth place in the league table, thanks to three victories, four draws and just one defeat from their first eight matches.
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