With the World Cup already nearing its business end, clubs will now be thinking about December's return to domestic action. Arsenal host David Moyes' West Ham on Boxing Day as the Premier League's leaders look to build on an amazing start to the season.
Much has been said about the Gunners ' ability to mount a title challenge this season. Whilst Edu and Co. are expected to be active in the January market, they will need to keep their admittedly thin squad as fit as possible if they're going to keep piling the pressure onto Manchester City.
So without further ado, let's take a look at the latest injury issues surrounding the club.
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Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has been Arsenal's longest running injury issue. The Arsenal youngster had undergone surgery to repair a damaged tendon in his groin, but it appears as though his recovery is going well.
In fact, the Englishman even admitted that he should be in contention to play against the Hammers come the end of the month. Speaking to Sky Sports at the Saudi Arabian GP in late November, he said: “Hopefully [I’ll be back] by the first game after the World Cup. I’m actually out here doing rehab, today was my day off, I’m back training tomorrow. I’m back on the pitch, it’s going well.”
Expected return date: West Ham (H), December 26
Takehiro Tomiyasu
After missing out on Japan's 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, Tomiyasu returned from the bench against Spain on Thursday.
"During the Germany game, I felt uncomfortable as soon as I entered," he said, as per Gekisaka. "After the game, I took care of it [the hamstring] and it was also examined at the hospital.
"It wasn't that bad. The rest is the feeling, I don't think it's a problem. Realistically, I'm going to aim to return for the last match of the group."
Tomiyasu helped his national side to a shock result against the Spaniard's, as a 2-1 victory ensured that they finished top of Group E.
Expected return date: Japan vs Croatia, December 5
Ben White
Although not an injury, White withdrew from the England squad to deal with personal issues. Whether it will impact his return to Arsenal is unknown, but the club will rightfully be prioritising his mental wellbeing before anything else.
A statement from the FA read: "Ben White has left England's training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons. The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament. We ask that the player's privacy is respected at this moment in time."
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