Arsenal will be without midfielder Thomas Partey for Sunday’s visit to West Ham United. The 30-year-old last featured for the Gunners in October and is currently nursing a thigh injury. football.london understands that the latest issue is minor for Partey and he will not require any further operations. “He’s progressing really well, but it’s a bit too soon to tell you exactly when we’re going to have him back,” Arteta said in his press conference on Friday afternoon….CONTINUE READING HERE
There are also doubts over Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of the Premier League clash at London Stadium. Jesus missed the 3-1 win over Liverpool due to a recurrence of a knee problem that had flared up prior to his goalscoring performance against Nottingham Forest. Zinchenko, meanwhile, started the game against the Reds but was taken off at half-time due to an issue with his calf.
“We have a few still in contention,” Arteta said. “They’ve been evolving really well. Tomorrow [Sunday] we have another training session. We’re hopeful that we’ll have a few back and that we can put a very competitive squad out there.” Arteta added that there was “no update” regarding Jesus’ fitness.
Bukayo Saka is fine, though, after picking up a knock against Jurgen Klopp’s side. “Yes again he’s been recovering this week and he looks OK,” Arteta explained.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also expected to return to the matchday squad following his international commitments with Japan at the Asian Cup. The Japanese international will be welcomed back and could even replace Zinchenko if the Ukrainian does not make the trip across London.
Already without Fabio Vieira, Jurrien Timber and Partey, it is possible Arsenal are also without Jesus and Zinchenko for the clash versus David Moyes’ side. Now, that would mean Arteta is without five senior players for the London derby.
When looking at the official Arsenal website, that means the Gunners have 17 senior outfield players available for selection. That means that Arteta must name two Gunners youngsters on the bench for Sunday’s match.
Young defender Reuell Walters was named on the bench for the clash against Liverpool, while third choice goalkeeper Karl Hein could be the other player to come into the squad given Arteta has previously named three goalkeepers in a matchday squad. Alternatively, Ethan Nwaneri has been among the substitutes already this season and could yet again be called up to first team action if needed….CONTINUE READING HERE
