Arsenal are back in Premier League action next week after over one month without a competitive fixture, due to the winter World Cup. The return will see the Gunners top of the league with a five-point gap to second-placed and current champions Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's side were in action last night in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool but are expected to apply the pressure onto the Gunners ahead of the upcoming title race.
For Mikel Arteta's side, they have a London derby in their first match back with West Ham United visiting Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day. However, even with the gap between their most recent fixtures, there are some injury concerns for the manager to deal with.
With that said, here's a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates ahead of the clash following Arteta's press conference on Thursday.
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William Saliba
Arsenal youngster William Saliba has been a pivotal player at the back since returning to the club from his recent loan spells, receiving a call-up for the France squad in the World Cup. Disappointingly for Saliba, he only managed a few minutes on the world stage and his nation lost in the final to Argentina on penalties.
What Arteta has said: The Gunners boss was asked whether it was realistic to see Saliba against the Hammers. He said: "We have the data on what he’s done in training in terms of minutes he didn’t participate much but it was a huge experience for him. Let’s see. When he gets back we’ll see."
Expected return date: N/A
Emile Smith Rowe
Forward Smith Rowe has been out of action since the defeat to Manchester United earlier this season. After returning to training during the winter break, the Englishman suffered another setback.
However, it may be sooner rather than later that we get to see the Hale Ender back in Arsenal colours.
What Arteta has said: "Emile is close. He had a setback but he’s there and he’s in a good place. We've done a lot of things with Emile. Sometimes he has been close, sometimes he has been in different places to see a different environment. His attitude has been great and this is part of any career, any development to have periods where you are out and have long-term injuries.
"He needs to react to that but for sure he has got all of our support and he is a huge talent that we need for the second part of the season at his best because his contribution will be key to the team."
Expected return date: N/A
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has impressed since joining the club in a big-money move from Manchester City in the summer transfer window. His performances managed to earn him a place in the Brazil World Cup squad, but a knee injury cut his tournament short.
On his return to north London, Jesus underwent surgery and is now set for a long spell on the sidelines that will come as a huge blow for the side.
What Arteta has said: "It’s a huge blow for us, obviously. He’s such an important player: he’s brought something very different to the team and it’s impossible to replace him. But we have other players, other alternatives and we’ll try to get that sorted. The transfer window is another option."
Arteta added more on Thursday: "With Gabi it’s difficult to put a time frame because it was a significant injury. Knowing him, I prefer not to give any dates."
Expected return date: February/March 2023
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has struggled with injuries since joining Arsenal, but he was fit enough to make appearances for Japan in the World Cup. The Samurai Blue impressed in the tournament, but lost out to Croatia in the round of 16, with Tomiyasu berating his own performance.
The 24-year-old has since returned to the club and while there were fears over his absence in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Luton Town, he was rested.
Expected return date: West Ham United (H) - December 26
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Signing in the summer, Oleksandr Zinchenko has impressed in his appearances, but has also suffered with injuries of his own. The Ukraine international was another that didn't feature in the clash against Luton Town, still nursing a calf injury before the return to action.
What Arteta has said: "Alex is progressing well."
Expected return date: N/A
Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson has impressed in some of his recent loan spells, with Mikel Arteta wanting to keep him in the squad for the season ahead. The youngster scored a double from the bench against Nottingham Forest and will be hopeful of following that up with plenty more this season.
However, Nelson picked up an injury in the game against Juventus, leaving the squad potentially short going into the West Ham game.
What Arteta has said: "We don’t know the extent of the injury. The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn’t change the plans."
Ahead of the West Ham clash, Arteta said: "With Reiss, unfortunately he picked an injury against Juventus and he’s going to be out for a while I think.
"I’m talking weeks not days. He will be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how he reacts in the next few days. He felt something straight away and with sprinters that’s not a good sign.
Expected return date: N/A
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney hasn't featured much this season as the role of the full-backs has changed in the current system. However, time spent over the break may give him a chance to work his way back into the side and while he didn't feature against Luton Town, he was also just rested.
Expected return date: N/A
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