Takehiro Tomiyasu makes his long-awaited return to the Arsenal starting line-up today when West Ham welcome the Gunners to London Stadium in the Premier League.
The right-back has been out since January with a calf injury, but came off the bench in last week’s win over Manchester United.
And asked if he could now start on Sunday, Mikel Arteta said: “When a player has been out for a long spell, you only know that when you put them on the pitch.
“He hasn’t started any matches yet and he has lacked a little bit of time on the pitch. So it is a decision we will make tomorrow.”
Arsenal will definitely be able to play Bukayo Saka on Sunday, who has shrugged off a knock from the win over United. Ben White, however, is out with a tight hamstring.
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“Hopefully he will be fine. He had some issues in the final part of the game, but he has recovered well and we expect him to be fine,” said Arteta.
Arsenal fans had gotten excited about the possibility of Thomas Partey returning this season after the midfielder posted a video on social media running on a treadmill.
But Arteta said: “[Partey] is progressing but he had a significant injury, a recurring injury as well, so we don’t expect him to make progress that quickly to see him this season. But hopefully I am wrong!”
Starting Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Nuno; Odegaard, Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Sunday 4.30pm GMT, Sky Sports
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Arsenal squad from: Leno, Ramsdale, Okonkwo; Cedric, Gabriel, Holding, Tavares, Tomiyasu, White; Elneny, Lokonga, Odegaard, Patino, Saka, Smith Rowe, Xhaka; Lacazette, Martinelli, Nketiah and Pepe.
Injured: Partey (thigh), Tierney (knee), White (hamstring)
