Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts to news of Chelsea star Cole Palmer missing training ahead of derby clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reacted to the potential unavailability of Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer in their Premier League clash on Tuesday (April 22).
The two sides endured contrasting fortunes in their previous game. While the Gunners snapped a two-game losing streak across competitions with a 2-0 league win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Blues lost 1-0 to FA Cup holders Manchester City in the semifinals.
The Gunners returned to the top of the standings by beating Wolves, while the Blues are eight places adrift, having played two fewer games. Ahead of the London derby at the Emirates, Palmer missed training, which could make his availability doubtful.
The Englishman has been one of the few shining lights in what has been a tough season for the Blues. Palmer has 25 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions. When asked about Palmer missing training ahead of the midweek clash, Gunners boss Arteta said (Football London):
"We have no control over their availability. Whoever they put out, they’ll be good. They’ve been doing better than people say."
The Gunners are pursuing their first top-flight title in 20 years.
How has Chelsea's Cole Palmer fared against Arsenal?
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has made a rousing start to life at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Manchester City in the summer.
Palmer, 21, has played Arsenal twice, with both meetings coming this season. The Englishman scored in both outings. The first came in the very first game of the season, with Palmer equalising for Manchester City in the FA Community Shield before Pep Guardiola's side lost on penalties.
His second goal against the Gunners came in the Premier League, with the Blues drawing 2-2 at Stamford Bridge. Palmer opened the scoring inside eight minutes before Mykhailo Mudryk doubled the Blues' advantage three minutes after the break.
Arsenal, though, hit back through Declan Rice in the 77th minute before Leandro Trossard grabbed the equaliser seven minutes later.