Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that both Ben White and Mikel Merino were unavailable for selection in the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace due to fitness concerns arising after the recent match against Ipswich Town.
“They couldn’t be involved,” Arteta stated. “Unfortunately, after the game against Ipswich, they had some issues and are not fit.”
Ben White has been managing a knee issue, which led to his absence from the squad in the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End. Arteta had previously mentioned that White was “struggling at the end of the [Liverpool] match,” necessitating his omission from subsequent fixtures.
Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal last summer, has also faced injury setbacks. Earlier in the season, he sustained a shoulder injury during training, which delayed his integration into the team. Despite these challenges, Merino has made significant contributions when fit, including scoring six goals and providing four assists in his last 13 appearances.
The absence of both players comes at a crucial juncture in Arsenal's season, as they aim to secure a strong finish in the Premier League and prepare for the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
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