Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will be without of his players for Sunday’s Premier League derby against West Ham United, arsenalnews.co.uk reports.
The Gunners are currently on 76 points after 35 matches, five ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.
Man City play first this weekend against Brentford tomorrow, and the Gunners will hope that the Bees can get something from the game at the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have a tricky London derby against West Ham at the London Stadium. The club are guaranteed to be without a couple of first-team stars for the encounter.
Mikel Merino has been sidelined since last winter with a foot injury. He has returned to light individual training, but Arteta hinted that the Spaniard won’t be fit this weekend.
The manager added that Jurrien Timber faces a similar situation. The Netherlands international has been nursing a groin injury picked up against Everton at home last month.
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Arteta said on the duo: “No chance for the weekend. There’s still a fair bit to do [in their recoveries]. Everything has to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes [this season].”
Arsenal were handed a big advantage in the title race after Man City’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday. The Cityzens came back from 3-1 down to secure a dramatic stalemate.
The Gunners have their title destiny in their own hands, and three wins would secure the title. West Ham have been a bogey club in recent years, but Arsenal have a good record against them on the road.
They have won 5-2 and 6-0 in their last two league trips to the London Stadium. The derby could be closely fought this time, considering West Ham are fighting for top-flight survival.
The east London side are unbeaten in their last six matches at home (three wins and three draws), and Arsenal must turn up with a strong performance to beat the Hammers on Sunday.
With a four-day break after the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, Arteta could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI for the third straight game in all competitions.
