It should’ve been a weekend of celebration for Mikel Arteta’s side after their 5-1 thumping of Crystal Palace, but supporters had little to cheer about after pictures of Bukayo Saka on crutches emerged post-match.
Arsenal remain in the title hunt but Saka’s prolonged absence will ensure the upcoming period is a slog. This was meant to be the Gunners’ year after back-to-back second-place finishes, but the Gods have so far conspired against Arteta’s challengers.
Still, they’ll be expected to end the year on a high when they face the newly promoted Tractor Boys. Kieran McKenna has worked wonders at Portman Road, but their top flight adventure currently appears a bridge too far.
Ipswich are 19th in the table having picked up 12 points from 17 games. They were thumped 4-0 at home by Newcastle at the weekend and have lost four of their previous five outings.
The Gunners have suffered a huge injury blow with Mikel Arteta confirming on Monday that Bukayo Saka is out for “many weeks” after tearing his hamstring at Selhurst Park. The winger could be out of action until March.
Raheem Sterling, who could’ve mitigated Saka’s absence, is currently absent due to a knee injury which is set to rule him out for several weeks.
On a brighter note, Riccardo Calafiori came off the bench at the weekend after another spell out and could return to the XI on Friday. Oleksandr Zinchenko may also return to the matchday squad.
Declan Rice impressed off the bench on Saturday and is a sure bet to come into Arteta’s starting lineup.
Captain Sam Morsy misses out on Friday after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Newcastle on Saturday. Kalvin Phillips should come into McKenna’s midfield pivot and partner Jens Cajuste.
Ipswich are currently without George Hirst, Axel Tuanzebe and Chiedozie Ogbene due to long-term injury setbacks, but Cieran Slicker is closing in on a return from a muscle injury.
Liam Delap is back from his suspension and will come in for Conor Chaplin up top.
