Arsenal return to Premier League duties this weekend when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, where a win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points as they aim to record successive victories.
However, all is not so calm ahead of the game, with Mikel Arteta currently experiencing an injury nightmare that could potentially leave him with up to seven players being unavailable for Saturday’s clash, as a result of the recent international break.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at the Emirates Stadium and the expected return dates for those on the sidelines.
Thomas Partey
Midfielder Thomas Partey returned to Arsenal ’s starting lineup for the 3-0 victory over Brentford in their latest fixture after missing a run of four consecutive games with a thigh injury, only to pick up a fresh problem during the international break.
Partey was withdrawn from Ghana’s starting lineup ahead of Friday’s friendly against Brazil after feeling some discomfort in his knee, although it was thought to be more precautionary than anything. As a result, it is hoped that he will be on course to feature this weekend.
Speaking on Monday, Ghana boss Otto Addo said: "'Hopefully, Thomas will be healthy very, very soon. We didn't want to take that risk in a friendly game to play him against Brazil.”
Will Thomas Partey stay fit between now and the World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko missed Arsenal’s last outing against Brentford after picking up a fresh calf injury and was not available to represent Ukraine during the international period as a result.
However, the left back is currently being assessed ahead of this weekend and it has been reported that Arsenal are confident that he will be available to feature in his first North London derby, although a late call could be made.
Speaking on September 16, Arteta said: “We have to wait until tomorrow to make that decision. What we have decided to do for the international break doesn't mean that we are going to say the same for the weekend, so it's something we will address tomorrow.”
Kieran Tierney
Second choice left back Kieran Tierney has also picked up a fresh injury whilst away with Scotland on international duty, in which he was forced to return to Arsenal early as a result of concussion protocols.
The defender starred for Scotland in their 3-0 victory over Ukraine last Wednesday, but suffered a clash of heads in the following game against Republic of Ireland that saw him withdrawn early.
However, there is optimism that he will be available for selection on Saturday after being brought home ahead of schedule to complete a full recovery, and the Scotsman will now challenge Zinchenko for the left back spot.
Cedric Soares
Versatile defender Cedric Soares picked up a knock prior to travelling to Switzerland for Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League clash with FC Zurich on September 8, while he was left out once more against Brentford 10 days later.
The right back is yet to make his first appearance of the season for the Gunners and was left out of Portugal’s squad for their recent internationals, although it is unsure as to whether he still would have made the squad if he was fully fit.
However, with it being almost a month since he picked up that knock, it is assumed that he will have made a full recovery in time for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham and can regain his place on the bench as the Gunners aim for consecutive wins in the league.
Reiss Nelson
Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has been sidelined with the thigh injury he picked up prior to the 4-2 defeat of Leicester City on August 13 as he continues to wait for his first appearance of the new season for the Gunners.
However, Nelson posted on his Instagram story at the end of August that he’d had his “first day on [the] pitch”, while he has since been spotted in first team training ahead of this weekend, meaning he could finally return to action on Saturday.
Speaking on August 12, Arteta said: “He felt something in training. We scanned it, and the doctor came with some bad news. It’s a muscular injury, and hopefully, he will be back soon.”
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe was ruled out of Arsenal’s last two fixtures as well as international duty after picking up a groin issue following the defeat against Manchester United on September 4 at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to feature as a second half substitute in that 3-1 loss but felt some discomfort during his warm down after the game. It was revealed this week that the midfielder has since undergone surgery and will be out of action until 2023 as he begins his recovery, meaning he will not feature again this year.
Speaking on Friday, Arteta said: "It is very difficult to give a timeline. It depends on the first process, how the bones heal, how was his first reaction, his improvement and how he's adapting. We need to go step by step."
Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny is expected to remain out of action until the new year after picking up a long-term injury in his only appearance of the season against Fulham at the end of August, as the Gunners emerged as 2-1 winners.
Elneny played the full 90 minutes of that win against the Cottagers, but it was revealed afterwards that he had suffered a hamstring strain during the contest in north London, with it later being described as a ‘significant’ injury. He is now expected to be sidelined for a substantial period of time.
Speaking on September 2, Arteta said: "With Mo, it’s probably a little bit easier and we are talking months."
