Arsenal will be aiming to react to their Carabao Cup disappointment at the weekend as they take on Burnley in the Premier League.
The Gunners host Sean Dyche’s men at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and will certainly be aiming to strengthen their claim for a Champions League position with three points.
Despite the Clarets’ current woes, a clash against the Lancashire outfit is never a straight-forward affair - as displayed by Arsenal’s slender 1-0 victory at Turf Moor this season.
With that being said, Mikel Arteta will hope to be able to call upon his best squad so football.london takes a look at the latest injury developments following defeat to Liverpool on Thursday.
Thomas Partey
Despite defeat to the Reds, one huge positive that Arsenal could take from the game was the return of Thomas Partey as he took to the field following his nation’s elimination from the African Cup of Nations.
However, his evening against Liverpool ended in disaster as he was sent off for two quickfire bookings and will now miss Sunday's clash through suspension.
What Arteta has said (ahead of Liverpool game): “I am really pleased with that. He shows his commitment. He was really disappointed to go out of the AFCON and straight away he said ‘I want to be involved.’”
Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), February 10
Granit Xhaka
Partey’s return to contention was certainly a welcome boost to Arteta considering Granit Xhaka ’s lack of availability. The Swiss midfielder was suspended for the clash with Liverpool due to his red card.
He remains sidelines having not yet served his ban, with this month's North London Derby having been postponed.
Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), February 10
Calum Chambers
Whilst the Gunners’ problems in midfield appear to be easing, a number of their current defenders are suffering with problems, so will not be available.
One of those aforementioned players is Calum Chambers, who is out with a troublesome neck injury.
Expected return date: N/A
Cedric Soares
Chambers is joined by fellow defensive colleague Cedric Soares. The Portuguese right-back picked up a hip injury in the semi-final first-leg at Anfield and did not recover in time to play at the Emirates Stadium.
It remains to be seen how long his actual lay-off will be.
Expected return date: N/A
Bernd Leno
Ahead of the clash with Liverpool on Thursday, Arsenal also confirmed that German goalkeeper Bernd Leno is also injured.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man was not even considered fit enough for the bench with a back problem.
Expected return date: N/A
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Currently out of Arsenal contention, Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to north London this week after his AFCON adventure was cut short by heart troubles.
He has undergone further tests and reassured supporters with a positive update ahead of the clash with Liverpool. Whether that means he is handed a place back in the Gunners’ side is a different matter entirely.
What Arteta has said: “He's in London and going through some examinations because we haven't had any clarity from Gabon about why he came back.
“So it's our obligation to make sure he's safe and in good condition. So far historically with what we've done with the player that's never been an issue.”
Expected return date: N/A
