Premier League football is back. Six weeks on since their last competitive game - a 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in November - Arsenal return to domestic action against West Ham United on Boxing Day.
Mikel Arteta's outfit have taken an extremely impressive 37 points from a possible 42 in their opening 14 games, but they were dealt a major blow over the World Cup break as Gabriel Jesus suffered medial ligament damage whilst playing for Brazil against Cameroon. The 25-year-old later returned to London to undergo surgery on his knee.
Jesus isn't Arsenal's only injury concern, either, and although Arteta will be confident about getting a result against the Hammers, he's going to have to manage his thin Gunners squad over the Christmas period.
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So, with that in mind, let's take a look at the latest injury concerns.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus suffered medial ligament damage whilst playing for Brazil against Cameroon in the World Cup group stages. The 25-year-old later returned to London to undergo surgery on his knee.
While it is set to be a long road to recovery, with reports suggesting he could be out for up to four months of action, Jesus posted a positive update on his Instagram story last week, saying "the first week is gone." The caption was placed over the top of an image showing Jesus' right knee in a hefty brace.
Expected return date: February / March 2023.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko urged supporters "not to worry" about a problem he suffered in his calf recently, an issue that kept him out of the Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus friendlies. Now, football.london understands that Arsenal are confident that Zinchenko will be fit for the fixture.
Expected return date: West Ham United (H) - December 26, 2022
Takehiro Tomiyasu
A hamstring issue kept Tomiyasu out of Arsenal’s Juventus friendly. The Japanese full-back is taking part in running training as he looks to end his own injury-hit season, but he isn't expected to feature against West Ham.
Expected return date: Brighton and Hove Albion (A) - December 31, 2022
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has been out for a considerable length of time. Even though he was hoping to return for West Ham, Arteta is being cautious and may opt not to risk him just yet.
What Arteta has said: "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."
Expected return date: January 2023.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga was another first-team player absent against Juventus after suffering a foot injury in Dubai. However, it's seemingly just a precaution, so the Belgian is a minor doubt to feature against the Hammers.
Expected return date: West Ham United (H) - December 26, 2022.
Reiss Nelson
The extent of Nelson's hamstring injury is currently unknown, but Arteta admitted after the friendly with Juventus that it could be problematic.
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 [for the transfer window]."
Expected return date: Unknown.
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