Mikel Arteta has been putting his players through their paces in training ahead of Arsenal's clash against Crystal Palace. The Eagles will host the Gunners at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon as Oliver Glasner looks to exact his revenge on Mikel Arteta.

The north Londoners came from behind to defeat Palace 3-2 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening. Arsenal bulldozed past the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel Jesus netting a brilliant hat-trick.

While Gunners reigned victorious, they appeared to score an 'offside' goal – so the south Londoners are expected to be fired up. So, with that being said, football.london has spotted five things in training that you might have missed as Arsenal geared up to face Crystal Palace.

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Nwaneri relishes key role

Ethan Nwaneri was at the heart of the action at London Colney. The teenage sensation was the only player seen wearing a pink bib while everybody else either went without, wore orange or donned red.

This could suggest that Nwaneri was the designated 'magic man' as part of a larger drill or session. The 'magic man' is somebody who plays on the team which is in possession during a rondo or small-sided game.

By introducing this role, the players are encouraged to pass and move while also preparing themselves for transitions and turnovers. Nwaneri hoping to force himself into the Arsenal starting lineup over the coming weeks with so many fixtures in the calendar.

Rice nowhere to be seen

Declan Rice, who was forced off during Arsenal's clash against Everton last weekend with a knock, was nowhere to be seen in training. Speaking to reporters after the Toffees clash, Arteta revealed that the 25-year-old midfielder had been nursing a 'little niggle' in the week building up to the game.

"With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something," said the Gunners boss. "He has been with a little niggle for the last week or so. He asked to be subbed in that moment, so we have to do it."

Then, on Friday in his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed Rice will be available for selection. When quizzed on the Englishman's – and Riccardo Calafiori's – fitness, the Gunners boss said: "They are both available to be in the squad."

Arteta is known to try and hold back team news hints, and it is entirely possible Rice just wasn't pictured during the session, although fans will be concerned about his potential absence.

Arsenal youngsters heavily involved

Arteta could field a youthful starting line-up against Palace. Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Harrison Dudziak, Zane Monlouis and Jack Henry-Francis featured in first-team training ahead of the Palace clash, indicating that they could be involved on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners block outside noise

Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, in particular, were in high spirits at London Colney, showing no sign of pressure as the Premier League title race builds a head of steam. Jurrien Timber and Jorginho also looked relaxed while completing various exercises in the gym.

Tierney returns to action after injury scare

Kieran Tierney, who's only recently returned from a hamstring injury, was spotted back on the grass. The 27-year-old defender appeared to suffer a knock in his first game back for the Gunners on Wednesday night, but he looked fine in action at London Colney.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have decided against activating the option to extend Tierney's contract by a further 12-months. The report states that the Scotland international has been made aware of the club's decision, making him available on a free transfer in the summer.

It's said that Tierney has already courted interest from clubs in England, with a return to Celtic also on the cards.