Arsenal handed major Declan Rice update as Gunners prepare to face Crystal Palace for second time a week after Carabao Cup thriller

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

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WHAT HAPPENED?
The England international missed Arsenal's 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Palace 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.

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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 Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both remain sidelined 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.

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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.

WHAT HAPPENED?