The Premier League will soon be upon us as Boxing Day fast approaches. The Carabao Cup fourth round will take place this midweek with plenty of top-tier English clubs in action but both Arsenal and West Ham United, the Gunners’ opponents, will sit this one out having been knocked out in the third round.
Mikel Arteta has already welcomed back the majority of his squad for friendlies in the Middle East and at the Emirates Stadium. Back-to-back victories over Lyon and AC Milan got Arsenal off to the perfect start in this mid-season break. Still, a 2-0 home defeat to Juventus despite dominating the clash has somewhat interrupted the momentum.
Arsenal had a nine-day gap from that defeat to Massimiliano Allegri’s side before the Hammers' visit; there could be time for a behind-closed-doors friendly this week. In the time off, however, Arteta has faced losses in terms of injuries.
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Gabriel Jesus is the most notable after needing surgery on his knee. Takehiro Tomiyasu returned from his efforts with Japan not fit enough to take part in the friendlies and football.london understands he suffered a slight hamstring injury.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was not present for the match with Juventus after receiving in impact injury to his foot and Oleksandr Zinchenko is still progressing back from a tight leg muscle that has cost him game time in the friendlies.
Mikel Arteta provided updates on all the aforementioned players and offered more on Emile Smith Rowe who had surgery on a groin problem in September. Furthermore, there was positive news on both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
"[Emile] hasn’t been able to train in the last few days but hopefully he can start [to train] next week," said Arteta. "He’s been out for a while now - he needs some time to get back to speed.
"We really need him and we’re going to welcome him with both arms because he’s a really important player for us. We need him fit on the pitch.
"Alex is progressing well, and Tomi is running on the pitch. Hopefully, we’re going to get the international players [who have been at the World Cup] joining again this week."
Saka and Martinelli should join Aaron Ramsdale, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Matt Turner in the squad after their forays in Qatar, although it will probably come too soon for William Saliba. Tomiyasu’s issue is said to be minor - as is Lokonga’s - and Zinchenko’s progression means the club are hopeful all should be available for West Ham.
Reiss Nelson is the final likely absentee. Having suffered what looked to be a hamstring injury against Juventus, Arteta was not optimistic in his post-match thoughts.
"We don’t know the extent of the injury," Arteta told football.london. "The fact he had to leave the pitch immediately is not good news, especially someone like Reiss, who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what happens."
In his absence, Marquinhos is likely to be the first port of call from the bench. However, a spot remains for a forward to be called up and Amario Cozier-Duberry’s excellent performances across this mid-season break make him the prime candidate.
Predicted Arsenal squad for West Ham United:
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner
Defenders: Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Marquinhos, Amario Cozier-Duberry
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