Mikel Arteta explains 'unfortunate' Mikel Merino & Ben White absences against Crystal Palace as Arsenal boss reveals they weren't simply rested

Arsenal midfielder Merino and defender White were two notable absentees for the visit of Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday. Now, manager Arteta has lifted the lid on the 'unfortunate' reason why they are not involved in this latest Premier League clash.

He said ahead of the game: "They couldn't be involved - if not they would have been. Unfortunately, after the game [against Ipswich] we had some issues and they are not fit."

Second-placed Arsenal will hope that Merino and White's injuries are not too serious as they attempt to keep their ever-so-faint Premier League title hopes alive, but more importantly, as they try to win the Champions League for the first time in the club's history.

After this Palace encounter, Arsenal - who could see Liverpool win the league title this weekend - host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next Tuesday.