David Wagner considers 'fresh legs' for Arsenal trip as Huddersfield remain without Kasey Palmer
KEY POINTS
- Head coach has no concerns over fitness amid hectic fixture list, yet could make changes for tough clash.
- Chelsea loanee Palmer is unavailable for Arsenal match, although will be back "in the near future".
- Rajiv van La Parra is suspended, while Michael Hefele, Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Philip Billing are all still injured.
Huddersfield Town head coach David Wagner will make a late decision on his final lineup to contest Wednesday night's (29 November) tricky Premier League fixture against Arsenal, although the trip to the Emirates Stadium will come too soon for Chelsea loanee Kasey Palmer.
The newly-promoted Terriers make the midweek journey to north London having fought valiantly during a slender home defeat to runaway leaders Manchester City on Sunday that saw Raheem Sterling strike a late winner.
Huddersfield - like all other clubs across English football - are entering a particularly hectic portion of the fixture list that will see them play nine matches between now and New Year's Day.
And although Wagner is not worried about his side's ability to cope with such a gruelling schedule, he suggested that he could nevertheless make changes to the squad to face Arsenal.
"I have no concerns about our fitness but sometimes it makes sense to bring fresh legs into our group," he told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"We have several options and will decide tomorrow after training."
Palmer agreed a second successive season-long loan with Championship play-off winners Huddersfield in July after featuring 27 times across all competitions during the club's promotion campaign and was also handed a new four-year contract by Chelsea.
However, the England Under-21 midfielder has not played a competitive game since August due to a recurring hamstring injury suffered on international duty that, while later revealed not to be quite as bad as first feared, was still expected to keep him sidelined for between six to eight weeks.
Palmer made his latest appearance for Mark Hudson's Under-23 side in a 2-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Brentford B at PPG Canalside on Tuesday morning and is set to return soon.
"Kasey Palmer isn't available for us tomorrow but he will be in the near future," Wagner added.
Huddersfield will remain without long-term absentees Michael Hefele, Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Philip Billing against Arsenal, while Rajiv van La Parra begins a three-match suspension.
The Dutch winger completed 90 minutes of the loss to City, only to be sent off for grabbing at Leroy Sane's face as tempers flared following the final whistle.
"I had a serious conversation with Van La Parra before training yesterday; he completely understood, apologised to his teammates and now we move on," Wagner said.
