Mikel Arteta’s pre-Palace presser: Team news, Jesus, Tierney, 5 years at Arsenal, Newcastle draw

After knocking out the Eagles in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, Arsenal now face Palace again this time in the Premier League looking for their first win in three games.
 

Team news

Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Alex Zinchenko "should all be available to be in the squad.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu is not close to being fit yet.
 

Gabriel Jesus

After his hat-trick helped Arsenal to get through to the semis, Gabriel Jesus was said to have a "big smile on his face and that everyone was extremely happy for him"

Arteta previously said "he's looked really good since he came back from pre-season"

"He's still fully committed to us" - in regards to any possible January exit
 

Kieran Tierney

After a very good performance in his first Arsenal appearance since May 2023, news broke after the game that Arsenal had decided not to activate the option in Kieran Tierney's contract which means he will leave Arsenal in the summer at latest

Asked about those rumours, Mikel explained: "He hasn't said to me that he wants to leave"
 

Assessment of 5 years

In what marks the five year anniversary since he became Arsenal boss, Arteta said how "proud he is and how much he's enjoyed it" but he also made it clear that "he has a lot to learn and the best is yet to come."
 

Easier or harder to play the same team in a short period?

"Don't have to anaylse them as much because we already know what they're going to do, just a couple of personnel changes to make."

Gabby and Kai playing together?

The boss admitted that "it's possible" that both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz could play in the team together.
 

What's changed most during the five years?

"A lot more unity and belief"
"Able to challenge for big honours which we couldn't do for years before"

"Still a lot left to do"
 

Reaction to semi-final draw

On Arsenal drawing Newcastle United in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup:

"Let's play them, it will be two difficult games."

If Arsenal were to win or draw tomorrow - they'd become the first team to not lose a London Derby across a calendar year:

"Travel is easier"

"Range of teams you play is very different"

"Hopefully we can win tomorrow and put ourselves in a good position"