Mikel Arteta gives Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino injury update amid Arsenal absence vs West Ham

Mikel Arteta has given an injury update on Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino with the Arsenal duo absent from the matchday squad to face West Ham United. With the midfielders missing, Jorginho has come into the starting XI with Kai Havertz and Declan Rice also returning.

Gabriel was a doubt to feature at London Stadium but has been passed fit despite coming off earlier in the week against Sporting CP with discomfort. Elsewhere, for the first time since May 2023, Kieran Tierney has been included in a league matchday squad, but the double injury blow is far from ideal.

On X, the Gunners wrote that Partey is absent because of a muscular issue while Merino is missing because of a knee injury. Despite not being able to feature, Partey has still travelled with the squad. Given their omissions from the squad however, Arteta was asked for an update ahead of the game.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted: "Unfortunately they both picked (up) an injury and the game came too early and they couldn't be part of the squad." On the inclusion of Gabriel he added: Gabriel is the good news that he managed to do the session yesterday and he felt much better so he is starting the game."

With such a quick turnaround to Arsenal's next game, which is a home clash against Manchester United, it is unclear if either will be able to feature. Thankfully for Arteta though, he has players available that can replace both Merino and Partey while also still fielding a strong bench.

Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling are among those that will be looking to make an impact if called upon.