Arsenal v Crystal Palace: Premier League – live

It’s not so bad for Arsenal, who have almost a week to recover before the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. But when players are on a football field, there’s always the risk of injury.

We cannot think in those terms. I think when the players are fit and they are available and they want to play, they have to play. They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances.

Villa play [on Tuesday] – fair would be if both teams were playing on the same day, on Tuesday or on Wednesday. At this stage of the season it can influence if you have two or three days to rest. But we have to accept it and I’m pretty sure we will be top fit on Saturday.