Arsenal successfully navigated a tough encounter against Liverpool at Anfield to preserve their standing as Premier League leaders. The Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Reds and are now gearing up to face West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in their upcoming Premier League fixture post-Christmas.
However, Kai Havertz will miss that game due to receiving his fifth booking of the season during the draw against Liverpool. Despite this setback, Mikel Arteta will have the likes of Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny back for selection after both players were part of the matchday squad at Anfield on Saturday.
While Thomas Partey is nearing a return to action, he is not expected to feature in the squad until January. With that in mind, football.london has compiled all the injury updates from Emirates Stadium ahead of the clash with West Ham.
Jorginho was absent from the matchday squad in the recent win against Brighton due to a foot injury but is set to contend for his place in the upcoming match against West Ham.
Providing an update on his injury following the win against Brighton, Jorginho stated to football.london, “Getting better, getting better.” His return to the bench for the Liverpool clash confirmed his progress.
Mohamed Elneny made his comeback from injury in the Champions League match against PSV but suffered a potential hamstring issue, though he is expected to make a prompt return, especially with the impending African Cup of Nations. Elneny returned to the matchday squad for the Liverpool game.
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Returned
What Arteta has said: “Mo Elneny hopefully will train with us today and we’ll see how he feels about it. The rest is no news.”
It is understood that Partey underwent a ‘procedure’ that will keep him out for the remainder of the year. Arteta has given an update on the 30-year-old’s rehabilitation process, leaving the question of his fitness for the FA Cup third-round clash against Liverpool uncertain. Arsenal are optimistic about Partey’s return for the FA Cup match against Liverpool before his involvement in AFCON.
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) – January 7
What Arteta has said: “He’s still finalising his rehab. He hasn’t trained with the team yet.”
Tomiyasu sustained a calf injury in the second half of Arsenal’s game against Wolves and is likely to be sidelined until the new year. Arsenal are hopeful of Tomiyasu’s return for the FA Cup fixture against Liverpool before his participation in the Asia Cup with Japan.
Injury: Calf
Expected return date: January
What Arteta has said: “We had a scan and it’s not good news. He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while, I think.”
Vieira has been dealing with a groin issue and underwent surgery for the injury. His recovery is projected for a return in mid to late January 2024, posing further challenges for the player’s game time under Arteta.
Injury: Groin
Expected return date: Mid to late January 2024
What Arteta has said: “Yeah, we’ve got a problem with him. He’s been having some discomfort. We sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin. He did that yesterday. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break.”
Timber, who joined from Ajax during the summer, suffered a severe injury in the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Although the ACL injury was initially concerning, the estimated return is now set between March and May of the following year.
