Arsenal host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, and the visitors have received a significant blow ahead of the clash at the Emirates.
The Gunners have their own extensive list of injury issues, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all out.
Saka won’t feature until March, nor will Martinelli, while the two strikers are out for the season.
Mikel Arteta’s team are seven points behind league leaders Liverpool, who play before the North Londoners against Aston Villa on Wednesday, thus making the encounter on Saturday with the Hammers hugely important.
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Lucas Paqueta suffers injury in training ahead of West Ham v Arsenal
Alongside the forward absentees, Takehiro Tomiyasu will also be unavailable for Arsenal, contributing to the threadbare nature of Arteta’s squad at the moment.
However, West Ham have their own set of injuries to contend with ahead of the game on the weekend.
Michail Antonio is out for the rest of the season after being involved in a car accident, while Crysencio Summerville won’t feature until April due to a thigh issue.
Vladamir Coufal and Niclas Fullkrug are doubts for the showdown with the Gunners, with both players also suffering from thigh injuries.
However, a fresh injury concern for Graham Potter emerged in training on Tuesday morning, as creative midfielder Lucas Paqueta pulled up with an ankle problem, according to the Standard.
It’s not clear whether this means he’ll definitely miss the Arsenal game, although the report indicates that the Brazilian appeared devastated.
He’ll now be assessed by West Ham’s medical staff to determine his condition.
How Lucas Paqueta’s potential absence could impact Mikel Arteta’s approach
Paqueta is the creative heartbeat of West Ham’s team, with his silky movement on the ball and crisp passing essential to the East London side’s attack functioning.
His availability, or lack of, could impact how conservatively Arteta opts to set-up at the Emirates.
Thomas Partey has been criticised for his lack of defensive nous at times, although the Ghanaian’s press resistance and passing in possession are useful attributes for Arsenal.
If Paqueta is out, Arteta will feel more confident in picking Partey, while he may implement a more aggressive pressing approach, with the Irons operating without their most talented on-the-ball player.
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