It has been a frustrating start to the new year for Arsenal, to say the least.
The Gunners are winless since Boxing Day and have subsequently been knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, leaving them with just the Premier League to fight for during the remainder of the season.
Mikel Arteta‘s side will be desperate to finish in the top four and end their five-year UEFA Champions League hiatus, but a quiet January transfer window may give them an uphill struggle.
Currently, they sit two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game more.
After a lengthy break in action, the north Londoners will travel to Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday (February 10) in a must-win league fixture.
Ahead of the clash against Bruno Lage’s men, football.london taken a look at all the latest injury and suspension news that Arteta will need to consider.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks.
The versatile right-back first suffered the problem during the 4-1 win against Leeds United back in December but tried to play through the pain barrier during last month’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final
Arteta has since confirmed that he will be out for a few weeks, effectively ruling him out of the match against Wolves.
What Arteta has said: “Tomi had an injury and we didn’t have anybody to play in that position against Liverpool.
“He needs to recover and look after himself, to try and be available as quick as he can.
“He will be out for a few weeks.”
Expected return date: N/A
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka picked up a suspension during the 0-0 draw against Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final after his challenge on Diogo Jota earned him a straight red card at Anfield.
As he had already been sent off this season, the Swiss international served a two-game suspension, meaning he missed the second leg against the Reds, as well as the 0-0 stalemate in the Premier League to Burnley.
However, he has now served his suspension and will be available to face Wolves.
Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), February 10
Thomas Partey
Former Atletico Madrid maestro Partey also missed the draw against the Clarets after receiving his marching orders in the second leg against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The 28-year-old had just come back from international duty with Ghana after the Black Stars had been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Like Xhaka, Partey will also be available for the trip to Molineux.
Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), February 10
Cedric Soares
Backup right-back Cedric suffered a knock at Anfield before being substituted early on, keeping him out of the next two matchday squads.
However, the Portuguese defender has since been spotted back in full training with the rest of the Gunners’ squad and will likely be fit to face Bruno Lage’s side next Thursday.
Expected return date: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), February 10
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny is the only Arsenal star that is still at the Africa Cup of Nations, with his Egypt side making the final after beating host nation Cameroon on penalties on Thursday night.
They face Senegal in Sunday’s final.
Expected return date: N/A