11 February 2024 , 13:45
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Emile Smith Rowe has been ruled out of Arsenal's game against West Ham after suffering an ankle injury, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing the news shortly before the match was due to kick off.
Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jorginho are also missing. Jesus is dealing with a knee issue that meant he also missed the 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend, while Zinchenko was taken off at half-time in that game with a calf problem.
Tomiyasu has only just returned from the Asian Cup after reaching the quarter-finals, but Arteta has decided against putting him straight back into the squad. Jorginho, meanwhile, has also picked up an injury, with Arteta revealing he was barely able to train ahead of the trip to West Ham.
"Emile turned his ankle in training, so he's not available," Arteta told Sky Sports. "It was too early for Gabi [Jesus] to come back and for him to recover and Jorginho has been struggling with playing 90 minutes in the week.
"He's been struggling [with a foot injury] for a while now and he aggravated it after playing 96 minutes at that level. He's here to support the team though, that's the spirit of Jorgi."
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As a result, Jakub Kiwior has replaced Zinchenko at left-back, while Leandro Trossard has been handed a start in place of Jorginho. Youngsters Ethan Nwaneri, Mauro Bandeira and Reuell Walters are all on the bench due to the Gunners' injury problems.
Thomas Partey remains sidelined with a thigh problem, while Fabio Vieira is expected to return from a groin issue later this month. Jurrien Timber has stepped up his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear, with Arteta revealing there is a "possibility" he could play again this season.
Emile Smith Rowe has picked up an ankle injury (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)West Ham have beaten Arsenal twice already this season in both the Carabao Cup and the Premier League and Hammers boss David Moyes is hopeful they can make it three wins in a row against the Gunners.
"If you had given me one of the wins I would have been happy," he said ahead of the fixture. "Two is fabulous. If we make it three it will be fantastic and we’ll aim to do that.
"We've got them at home - but we're really aware of how good they are - an incredibly good side. They have been challenging to win the Premier League for the last two years. We’re going to have to play really well."
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