Arsenal are set for yet another test of their Premier League title credentials on Sunday as they make the trip across London to face Fulham. The Cottagers have been overachievers so far this season, easing any relegation fears early on and pushing for European football.
Their form as of late has hit a slight dip, recording just two wins in their last five games and missing key man Joao Palhinha for the tie. The Gunners will be hopeful of bouncing back quickly from a 2-2 draw away at Sporting CP on Thursday night in the Europa League - where several players were absent.
With such a quick turnaround, Mikel Arteta may face some late calls on the injury and fitness front. Ahead of that highly-anticipated match-up, football.london has rounded up all the latest news on any Gunners players dealing with injuries as Arsenal look to extend their five-point lead at the top of the table.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus injury return plan revealed as Arsenal make late change to prepare for Fulham
Gabriel Jesus
Having suffered medial ligament damage whilst playing for Brazil against Cameroon in the World Cup group stages, Jesus returned to London to undergo surgery on his knee.
Arsenal are hopeful of having Jesus back in the first-team squad before the international break towards the end of March, football.london understands. The north London outfit welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium before club action pauses for a fortnight due to international fixtures.
On Wednesday, Jesus took part in the open training session with his teammates, seemingly getting closer to making his long-awaited return but football.london understands that he didn't travel with the rest of the squad for the aforementioned draw against Sporting. It remains to be seen if he will feature in the squad to face Fulham this weekend.
What Arteta has said: "He will have only one more training session and he really needs to feel confident and ready to go. He has a big say on that."
Expected return date: March.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard missed the game against Sporting due to illness football.london understands. A bug has passed through the Gunners camp, with midfielder Fabio Vieira having to be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli for Wednesday's press conference duties because of a sore throat, although Vieira played the full 90 minutes in Lisbon.
Odegaard did travel to the Portuguese capital, but he was eventually deemed unwell to play and it remains to be seen if he will feature against Fulham on Sunday. Mikel Arteta revealed after the game that he was hopeful that the captain will return to action on Sunday.
What Arteta has said: "Obviously we lost Martin today as well... I hope [he will return against Fulham] so, yeah."
Leandro Trossard
Trossard picked up a groin injury against Bournemouth before signalling to the coaching staff that he could no longer continue and he was eventually substituted for Emile Smith Rowe in the 22nd minute.
The early prognosis on Trossard's injury is that it is not thought to be serious, football.london understands, although he did miss training on Wednesday and was out of the squad for the trip to Lisbon.
What Arteta has said: "It is a worry, he came to me straight away and said he couldn't continue, he'd felt something when he was tracking back, so we had to take him off", the Spaniard said when asked what had happened to the talented attacker. "We'll assess him and see how he is."
Expected return date: N/A
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah had found himself on the bench for recent wins over Leicester and Everton following a slight drop in form. Arsenal boss Arteta then confirmed after his substitute appearance against the Toffees that the young striker had suffered with a slight injury concern.
Arsenal then decided not to bring the Hale End academy graduate to Lisbon.
What Arteta has said: "We are assessing him," the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference. "It's a bit uncertain what will happen with him to be honest in the training sessions.
"Let’s see, let’s keep the options open. He’s very positive about it and hopefully he’ll be fine."
Expected return date: N/A
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal were without left-back Kieran Tierney for Thursday's Europa League clash against Sporting CP.
The Scottish international left the club's London Colney training ground on Wednesday about 45 minutes before training began, with some fans fearing he had suffered an injury. However, football.london understands that the Scottish international is merely unwell.
What Arteta has said: "Let’s see how they (Tierney, Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah) evolve. Obviously we’ve had a few issues in the last few days and I am trying to accommodate everybody and get everyone in the best possible condition for tomorrow."
Expected return date: N/A
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny started in the FA Cup win over Oxford United and played the whole 90 minutes. However, the Egyptian was absent for Arteta's squad for the 2-0 win at Tottenham, with a knee issue picked up in training ahead of the clash being assessed. Additionally, there was no place on the bench to face Manchester United.
A club statement last month then confirmed that the former Basel man will be out for an extended period of time, although no timescale was given on his expected return. Elneny has since penned a new deal at Arsenal as he closes in on a return.
Expected return date: N/A
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