Arsenal picked up where they left off before the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Boxing Day to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
But the Gunners remained without four of their first team stars for that clash with the Hammers, although Mikel Arteta’s side proved that they can cope just fine without Gabriel Jesus in attack. Nonetheless, the Spaniard will be hoping for no fresh setbacks ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Brighton.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at the Emirates Stadium and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe is on the verge of a return to action as he steps up his recovery from a long term groin injury which has kept him on the sidelines since September.
The attacking midfielder had a minor setback at the beginning of the month but is now back in first team training nonetheless. However, Arteta is not willing to take a risk by rushing him back early and it has been confirmed that the 22-year-old will continue to sit out for the New Year’s Eve visit to Brighton.
Speaking on Friday, Arteta said: "He's made big steps in the last week. He took part in some training sessions and looked good. We're hoping to have him back soon."
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Takehiro Tomiyasu
If at least one player will return for Saturday’s trip to the south coast, then it will be Takehiro Tomiyasu as the defender closes in on a return to full fitness.
The Japanese international was left out of the Boxing Day victory over West Ham as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain in his injury-hit season, but there is hope that he may well pass a late fitness test to return to the matchday squad against Brighton this weekend.
Speaking on Friday, Arteta said: "He’s getting closer and closer. He’s training with us, so he’s available."
Reiss Nelson
Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is the latest player to join the long-term injury list after picking up a thigh problem in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Juventus on December 17.
The 23-year-old featured in all three of Arsenal’s mid-season friendlies but suffered a major setback in his season with his latest injury and is now expected to remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
Speaking on December 22, Arteta said: “Reiss, unfortunately, picked up an injury in the game against Juventus and he is going to be out for a while I think. I’m talking about weeks.”
Gabriel Jesus
Brazilian forward Jesus has begun his road to recovery after undergoing surgery for a knee injury that he sustained during the 2022 World Cup.
The summer signing was seen on crutches for Arsenal’s Boxing Day victory over West Ham and will be out for the long-term in what is a crushing blow for the Gunners. However, Arteta is yet to put a specific time frame on his absence.
Speaking on December 22, Arteta said: “With Gabby [Jesus] it's very difficult to put a timeframe [on his recovery]. It was a significant injury and knowing him, I prefer not to give any dates away.”
