Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will consider recalling Kai Havertz to his starting lineup for their Premier League contest with Fulham at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve.
Havertz was forced to miss Thursday's surprise 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United due to suspension, but the German is available for selection this weekend and could link arms with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in centre-midfield.
Arteta is still having to cope without four injured players, though, with Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Thomas Partey (thigh) and Fabio Vieira (groin) all targeting a return next month, while Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee with a knee problem.
The potential inclusion of Havertz in Arsenal's first XI could see Leandro Trossard drop down to the substitutes' bench, or the Belgian could move over to the left flank to replace Gabriel Martinelli should Arteta opt to freshen up his frontline.
Bukayo Saka was left frustrated in front of goal against West Ham following an inspired display by Alphonse Areola, but Arsenal's No.7 – who scored against Fulham in a 2-2 draw back in August – is expected to continue on the right side of attack as Gabriel Jesus operates as the central striker.
David Raya, who saved a stoppage-time penalty against the Hammers, is set to retain his place between the sticks, and the Spaniard could once again be protected by a back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko, although Jakub Kiwior is an option to start on the left side of defence.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Oliver Thomas
