Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of the Premier League's resumption in just over a week.
The Gunners can now look forward to their fixture against West Ham on Boxing Day following the conclusion of their mid-season break. Arteta's side lost 2-0 to Juventus at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with a Granit Xhaka own goal and a Samuel Iling-Junior strike proving the difference between the two sides.
Arsenal didn't play badly, however, and saw two goals for Eddie Nketiah ruled out either side of the break. Perhaps more worryingly for the Gunners, a number of stars did not make the squad for the Juventus clash due to injury.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko continues his recovery from a calf problem, Takehiro Tomiyasu is nursing a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with Japan and Emile Smith Rowe suffered a fresh setback following surgery on a groin problem.
Elsewhere, Albert Sambi Lokonga failed to make the squad against Juventus and football.london understands that it is a knock to Lokonga's foot that is currently keeping him out of action. Reiss Nelson started the match but limped off in the first half in what is a fresh blow for Arteta.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted he did not know how serious Nelson's injury is. "We don’t know the extent of the injury," the Spaniard said.
"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."
The Gunners boss was somewhat more optimistic regarding the fitness of Tomiyasu and Zinchenko. "Alex is progressing well," Arteta said. "Tomi is already running on the pitch. Hopefully we’ll get those.
"The international players are joining as well this week and then we’ll all be watching William Saliba as well tomorrow to see if he can win the World Cup."
The Gunners face West Ham on Boxing Day hoping to continue their fine form in the Premier League, with Arteta's side currently sitting top of the table and five points ahead of Manchester City. One player who faces a race against time to be fit for the clash against the Hammers is Smith Rowe.
When asked if the midfielder, who has been out since September with a groin injury, has any chance of being fit for the fixture, Arteta said: "Let’s see. Emile the last few days hasn’t been able to train but hopefully he can start next week.
"He’s been out for a while now and he needs some time to get back to speed, but we really need him. We’re gonna welcome him with both arms because he’s a really important player for us and we need him fit on the pitch."
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