Arsenal travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford on Sunday afternoon in what will be a crucial game in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been in excellent form recently, securing three wins on the bounce, defeating Wolves twice whilst also clinching all three points against Brentford to boost their chances of UEFA Champions League qualification.
The Gunners are now just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the current Premier League standings, with the Red Devils having played three more times in the league.
However, the Hornets won’t be an easy team to defeat, as United learned last week, playing out a 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford despite registering a whopping 22 shots across 90 minutes.
Ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated clash, football.london has taken a look at what Arsenal players may or may not be available due to injury.
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Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe missed the clash with Wolves through illness.
A club statement read: “Smith Rowe (sickness, not Covid) and Tomiyasu (calf) both miss tonight’s squad. Back soon, lads.”
The Hale End academy graduate has been in sublime form recently, netting nine Premier League goals, more than any other Arsenal player this term.
And in what was welcomed news on Tuesday, the 21-year-old returned to training and he looks ready to face Watford on Sunday.
Expected return date: Watford (A) – March 6
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently suffering from a calf injury after he was left on the sidelines for the victory over Wolves.
It represented a fresh blow for Tomiyasu, who has missed two out of Arsenal’s last three Premier League games, whilst he was also named as an unused substitute for the victory against Brentford last time out.
Having fully recovered from his previous problem though, Arteta has now confirmed that he has picked up a knock in his other leg this time.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the win against Wolves, the Spaniard said: “Yes, it was the other calf.
“So he came back and he was completely fine, and in training he felt the other calf.
“So this is an issue because he’s a professional, who is giving absolutely everything to help us, and in the last few months he’s not been fit.”
Expected return date: Unknown
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Kieran Tierney
Tierney pulled up clutching his thigh in the final minutes of the Wolves clash and had to be replaced by Nuno Tavares with the game still in the balance.
The Scotsman managed to fulfil his post-match media duties following the game and didn’t appear to be in too much pain.
He’s been training since too and it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue.
Expected return date: Watford (A) – March 6