Mikel Arteta could finally unleash Arsenal ‘secret weapon’ vs West Ham as Premier League returns

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day following the conclusion of the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will be hoping the Gunners can continue their impressive form which sees them sit at the top of the table, leading Manchester City by five points.

The Gunners‘ first test following the World Cup break is West Ham United. David Moyes’ side travel to Emirates Stadium having had a poor start to the season, with the Hammers currently in 16th position in the league.

Arteta himself has a number of selection issues to contend with ahead of the fixture. Gabriel Jesus is recovering from knee surgery, Oleksandr Zinchenko is nursing an ongoing calf problem and Takehiro Tomiyasu is working his way back to fitness after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty with Japan.

Elsewhere, Albert Sambi Lokonga failed to make the squad against Juventus last week and football.london understands that it is a knock to Lokonga’s foot that is currently keeping him out of action. Reiss Nelson also limped off in the first half of the match in what is a fresh blow for Arteta.

Another player who Arteta is keen to welcome back is Emile Smith Rowe. The attacking midfielder has had a frustrating season for the Gunners, with injury restricting the 22-year-old to just 47 minutes of action.

Arsenal’s No. 10 was forced to have surgery at the end of September in a bid to overcome a troublesome groin injury. He travelled to Dubai with the Gunners squad earlier this month, though, and took part in training sessions during the warm weather camp.

With Jesus injured and both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka featuring for Brazil and England respectively at the World Cup, Arsenal are somewhat light up front. Arteta himself has admitted this.

“I think [Jesus] is a unique player but Eddie [Nketiah] has incredible qualities as well for the way we want to play,” the Spaniard told Arsenal’s official website. “We have other alternatives in that we can play Martinelli up front as well. We are currently a little bit short in terms of upfront positions but getting Emile [Smith Rowe] back is going to be a big one.”

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Juventus last week, Arteta conceded that the Gunners “need” Smith Rowe back fit and firing. “Emile the last few days hasn’t been able to train but hopefully he can start next week,” Arteta said.

“He’s been out for a while now and he needs some time to get back to speed, but we really need him. We’re gonna welcome him with both arms because he’s a really important player for us and we need him fit on the pitch.”

Arteta added in his pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of the West Ham game: “Emile is close. He had a setback but he’s there and he’s in a good place.”

Smith Rowe was a key player for Arsenal last season. The Hale End graduate made 37 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting a further two.

It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old will feature against West Ham, but judging by Arteta’s comments, it could certainly benefit the Gunners if he does.