Arsenal have confirmed a double injury blow ahead of the Premier League clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium this evening.
The Gunners have won their last two games after the international break and they will be aiming to continue the momentum against the Hammers.
Ahead of today’s London derby, the club have confirmed a double injury blow with midfielders Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino ruled out with injuries.
The exact nature of the setbacks have not been revealed, but their absence is a huge concern for Arsenal, considering the hectic schedule next month.
Partey has been injury prone during his four-year spell with the Gunners. We had predicted him to drop to the bench with Merino replacing him in the XI.
However, both of them have been sidelined for the derby. Jorginho has now been tasked to operate from midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The Italy international was good in the opening half against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but he was substituted at the interval due to his early booking.
The former Chelsea man has to step up for the Gunners today as they look to reduce the nine-point deficit to Liverpool, who are leading the standings.
Aside from Partey, manager Mikel Arteta has made another change from the 5-1 win over Sporting CP. Leandro Trossard has been picked ahead of Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Martinelli had a lively start with a goal in midweek, but Trossard has retained the manager’s faith. The Belgian netted a goal of his own from the bench on Tuesday night.