Mikel Arteta is facing a number of huge decisions for this evening's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace. Though a place in the last four is up for grabs, Arteta is expected to make some starting XI changes with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber possibly being rested.

Declan Rice could also miss out after picking up an injury against Everton this past weekend, however Arteta alleviated any major concerns when issuing a fitness update on his key midfielder. "He's [Rice] fine," the Arsenal boss revealed in his Tuesday press conference. "We will make the decision on whether he's available or not."

Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takaehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Neto are all unavailable though with Arteta facing some selection dilemmas as a result. Four of those five names out because of injury are capable of playing at full-back and that has resulted in Thomas Partey and Myles Lewis Skelly being utilised.

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The latter has started the last two games while Partey came off the bench for the final 21 minutes against Everton William Saliba meanwhile, has been absent just twice this season and welcomed back Gabriel Magalhaes alongside him over the weekend after he missed the last few weeks with injury.

Given those defensive absentees, it seems relatively clear the four players that will start, unless Arteta makes significant changes, with Arsenal furthering the likelihood of that. On social media, the Gunners have posted two graphics promoting the Carabao Cup game against Palace with Saliba and Lewis-Skelly front and centre.

Alternatively, Jakub Kiwior or Timber could come in at left-back over Lewis-Skelly, depending on if Gabriel keeps his place or if Partey comes in at right-back. Selection dilemmas are also huge higher up the pitch with Odegaard among those that could come out of the team.

Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard may replace him in midfield if that is the avenue Arteta goes down. The three big decisions for the Gunners boss however, seemingly surround Saka, Gabriel and Rice. Given his importance, Arteta may be keen to rest Saka ahead of the busy fixture schedule.

Gabriel and Rice meanwhile, due to injury issues, may not be risked especially with Arsenal having the challenging trip to Palace this weekend.