Arsenal will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as they host West Ham United on Wednesday evening, with the striker stripped of the captaincy for breaching disciplinary rules.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta have also revealed that he won't be available for selection as they play West Ham at The Emirates. It follows his notable absence from the matchday squad against Southampton at the weekend, with Aubameyang's future at the club now uncertain.
West Ham come into the game sitting in fourth place, although Arsenal know that a win will see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.
The Hammers are hampered by serious defensive injury issues, but for Arteta's side, there's nearly a clean bill of health.
The only major absentee will, of course, be Aubameyang.
Bernd Leno is also a doubt, but Aaron Ramsdale has established himself as the number one 'keeper since arriving at the club anyway, so that's not a problem.
In front of the Englishman will be Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back, a centre-back pairing of Benjamin White and Gabriel Magalhaes, and either Nuno Tavares or Kieran Tierney at left-back.
The Scottish international Tierney has been first choice since joining from Celtic, but has recently found himself rotating with Tavares, as Arteta is clearly a big fan of the latter. However, having impressed Southampton at the weekend, Tierny should get the nod.
Granit Xhaka returned from injury against Everton, and started consecutive games at the weekend with 81 minutes against the Saints. The Swiss international will once again partner Thomas Partey in Arsenal's double pivot, with the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga waiting in the wings.
Bukayo Saka is the favoured option on the right flank, and has kept Nicolas Pepe out the side recently, so expect that to continue. Martin Odegaard has also found some form, with three goals in his last three games, so will be deployed in the No.10 role again.
Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly back to full fitness, but Arteta won't want to risk him, and Gabriel Martinelli seems to have rediscovered his pre-injury form by scoring once and assisting twice in his past four games.
Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line, looking to found rhythm after his goal against Southampton.
Arsenal starting XI against West Ham
