| Arsenal vs Crystal Palace | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
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COMPETITION :
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EFL Cup Quarter Final
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| DATE: |
24-12-2025
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Emirates Stadium |
Arsenal’s fitness situation remains unchanged heading into the quarter-finals, with Mikel Arteta still unable to call upon Max Dowman (ankle), Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh), Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and Ben White (hamstring).
Despite the competition reaching its decisive stages, rotation is still expected, and it would not be a surprise to see Gabriel Jesus — last season’s quarter-final hero — make his first start since January, potentially replacing Saturday’s match-winner Viktor Gyokeres in attack.
Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all pushing for starting berths after being named on the bench last time out, while there could even be a rare opportunity for Joshua Nichols, who made his Arsenal debut in this competition against Bolton Wanderers last season.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, continue to feel the effects of several key absences. Africa Cup of Nations representative Ismaila Sarr remains unavailable, while first-choice right-back Daniel Munoz and midfield linchpin Daichi Kamada are sidelined with knee and thigh injuries respectively.
Rio Cardines (muscle), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Caleb Kporha (back) and Chadi Riad (knee) are also ruled out for the Eagles, and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s involvement will need to be carefully managed due to an ongoing knee issue.
As a result, Oliver Glasner may opt to rest the French striker and hand Christantus Uche a starting role, while Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Jefferson Lerma and Jaydee Canvot could all come into contention as part of a necessary rotation policy.