Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of their Premier League trip to West Ham United this evening.
The Gunners were back in business last weekend as they sealed a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest before putting five past Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Gabriel were among the goal scorers midweek but picked up a knock late on and was seen signalling to the bench.
The Brazil international was replaced by Jakub Kiwior after 84 minutes with Mikel Arteta explaining his defender was feeling some ‘discomfort’. meanwhile
The Arsenal boss wasn’t giving much away when he spoke at his pre-match press conference on Friday but did suggest Gabriel did not train on Thursday. The Brazil international will be assessed today with hope he will be passed fit to start alongside William Saliba.
Elsewhere, injury problems have been clearing up at Arsenal with Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Declan Rice among those to have returned to action in recent weeks.
At the back, Ben White is ruled out ‘for months’ after undergoing a knee procedure during November’s international break.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also still recovering from a knee problem, leaving Jurrien Timber as Arteta’s only real option at right-back heading into the busy festive period.
The return of Odegaard has enabled Arteta to swich back his more regular 4-3-3 formation with Gabriel Jesus tasked with leading the line last weekend against Nottingham Forest.
Kai Havertz returned up top midweek with a goal in Lisbon but Jesus could be handed another chance in east London this weekend.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face West Ham
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Where to watch West Ham vs Arsenal? Kick-off time and TV channel
West Ham vs Arsenal kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday 30 November.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with a live stream available on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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