Absentees for the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United could hit double figures. The Gunners have been plagued by injuries this season and though Mikel Arteta's side finally looked to be over that crisis, three fresh issues have since emerged.
For the win over West Ham Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino both missed out because of injury with Arteta's pre-match update suggesting the issues are minor. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Unfortunately they both picked (up) an injury and the game came too early and they couldn't be part of the squad."
Another problem then came to light for Arsenal with Gabriel Magalhaes, after scoring and winning a penalty, going off at half time with Arteta revealing it was related to the issue he felt against Sporting CP earlier that week. Ahead of facing Man United at Emirates Stadium, Arteta was asked for the latest on all three doubts.
"We're gonna have a meeting this afternoon," he admitted in a press conference. "We have done a training session. We monitored and kept some players away from certain activities. After that meeting I will decide which ones are fit and available and who will start."
While that trio could all return, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are guaranteed to miss out with Arteta not expecting either to feature before the New Year. As for their opponents, Ruben Amorim, like Arteta, has been dealt a fresh triple blow.
The first two occurred in the 4-0 win against Everton with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season and thus are unavailable due to suspension, despite the duo having only just returned from injury.
A possible Bruno Fernandes injury scare has since come to light but it has since been revealed he will be available. Injury rumours surrounding Luke Shaw have also been high after he was not spotted with the travelling squad. The man himself has now given a clear answer to why he was absent with an emotional statement on Instagram.
He wrote: "Hi guys, it's hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I've had a small setback. "I've been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period.
"I'm absolutely devastated and it's extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time. "I understand there is gunna be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time.
"But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn't go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it." With Shaw dealt another setback, United's defensive absentees continue to grow.
Alongside Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are fellow defenders expected to miss out but Amorim has hinted that Leny Yoro will feature in his first United competitive matchday squad. "We have one more training session... maybe Leny Yoro is going to be in the squad," he said on Monday.
"I felt he’s in a good moment now, his fitness is better. I think he is a special talent, but we have to be careful in this first moment." With the summer signing expected to be involved, both sides could have a maximum of five players ruled out, though it is more likely Arsenal's list of absentees is lower.
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