Arsenal return to Premier League action on Monday as they take on London rivals West Ham on Boxing Day.
The Gunners have won 12 of their opening 14 Premier League matches and have a five-point cushion at the top of the standings over Manchester City. Last time out in the league, they recorded a two-goal victory at Wolves when Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe were the only absentees.
However, boss Mikel Arteta has concerns over multiple other players availability to face the Hammers including the absence of star striker Gabriel Jesus. Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at the Emirates Stadium and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
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Gabriel J esus
Gabriel Jesus is expected to miss up to three months of action after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained on World Cup duty with Brazil.
Jesus has revealed that he is back on his feet following knee surgery but any return to action is months away, leaving the Gunners light on attacking numbers.
Arteta told reporters on Thursday: “With Gabby, it's very difficult to put a timeframe [on his recovery]. It was a significant injury, and knowing him, I prefer not to give any dates away.”
William Saliba
William Saliba has started all 14 of Arsenal’s Premier League matches to date and is expected to be in the XI to face West Ham.
There had been doubts over his availability due to him being part of the France squad that reached last week’s World Cup final, with players afforded time off following their tournament exploits. However, Saliba played just 27 minutes in the competition – as a second half substitute vs Tunisia in the groups.
“Let's see,” Arteta said on Thursday. “We have the data of what he's done in training and in terms of the actual minutes. When he gets back, we'll make the decision.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Right back Tomiyasu missed Arsenal’s final three fixtures before the international break but recovered in time to feature three times for Japan at the World Cup.
However, after playing the full 120 minutes of their last 16 defeat to Croatia on December 5, Tomiyasu picked up a fresh setback with his hamstring injury. Nonetheless, Arteta has since provided a positive update on the 24-year-old.
Speaking on Sunday, Arteta said: "Tomi is already running on the pitch.” He is likely to be part of the matchday squad against the Hammers.
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe is finally nearing a return to action from his long-term groin injury but the Boxing Day encounter is likely to come slightly too soon for his return.
The creative midfielder has not played since September and the World Cup gave him a chance to recover, but it is unlikely he will be available for selection until after the New Year.
Arteta told his press conference on Thursday: “Emile is close, he is starting to train again. He had a little setback, but he is in a good place.”
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko has been riddled with injuries since joining from Manchester City and currently finds himself ruled out of action with another fresh issue.
The versatile left back has picked up a setback to his long-term calf injury and missed all three of Arsenal ’s mid-season friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus. However, it is hoped that the extra time to regain full fitness will see him return to action in time for Monday’s clash with West Ham.
Speaking on Sunday, Arteta said: "Alex is progressing well,” but there is little indication of whether the Ukrainian will be available against West Ham.
Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson limped off the pitch in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Arsenal’s final mid-season friendly.
The midfielder has been a bit-part player for the Gunners this season but did start the mid-season friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan prior to his latest setback.
Telling reporters, Arteta explained: “With Reiss, unfortunately, he picked up an injury in the game against Juventus, and he is going to be out for a while, I think.”
