Mikel Arteta responds to Virgil van Dijk’s comments with telling Arsenal admission

Arsenal face Crystal Palace on Wednesday night knowing failure to win will make Liverpool champions but Mikel Arteta will not look to protect his players before Champions League tie against PSG

Mikel Arteta has said there is little temptation to rest his big names against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night out of fear that they could be injured ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has already said that their squad will watch the game together on television hoping that Palace can deny the Gunners three points and ensure the title will be heading to Anfield.

But Arteta, who is still looking to secure second spot, has no interest in worrying about that with their full focus on another league win that would extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 games.

“Our incentive will be to win the game and continue with the run we’re in right now,” he said. “The rest we can’t control.”

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And he insists that the starting XI will be a strong one because the risk of upsetting his players’ flow is as great as them picking up a knock.

“We cannot think in those terms,” he added. “When players are fit and available, they have to be fit. They are at their best when they play and are consistent in their performances.

“If they are not available there’s no discussion or not in good condition to perform. But if they are we play them. We have the players we have.”

Arsenal will face Palace for the third time in all competitions having scored eight in the previous two meetings and Arteta has played down concerns of star man Bukayo Saka being sidelined by injury. The England forward had to ice his ankle after Sunday’s win away to Ipswich Town but it is not expected to keep him out for long.

Jorginho continues to miss out along with long-term absentees Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arteta added: “We have to wait and see how (Saka) reacts after the session but it’s nothing too serious. If we want to there’s a good chance (he can play) tomorrow.” The news on Italy midfielder Jorginho was less promising though with Arteta confirming: “Jorgi will be out for a few weeks.

“I hope he will be back before the end of the season but I’m not certain. The doctor is quite cautious talking about any dates. Let’s see. He’s improving, he’s much better. He’s in a good place now.”

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