Arsenal head to Fulham this weekend as they look to solidify their place at the summit of the Premier League.
With Liverpool suffering two Premier League defeats on the bounce against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, the Gunners finally took advantage to move top before the international break with their victory over West Ham.
With Arne Slot’s side not in action until Sunday afternoon at home to Manchester United, Arsenal have a golden opportunity to move four points clear of last season’s champions.
Mikel Arteta will be without his captain, however. Martin Odegaard is facing six weeks on the sidelines as a result of the knee injury he suffered in the win over the Hammers.
It was the third time the Norway international had been forced off in the first-half this season having also struggled with shoulder problems.
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Noni Madueke is another on the sidelines until mid-November at the earliest, recovering from a medial knee ligament injury.
Kai Havertz has not featured since the opening day of the season but the German is believed to be closing in on a return although this weekend will surely come too soon.
Ben White was absent from training on Thursday along with Martin Zubimendi. Arteta will provide an update on the duo when he speaks to the media later this afternoon.
Piero Hincapie meanwhile was able to train this week. The Ecuador international, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, missed Arsenal’s last five games prior to the international break.
Hincapie picked up a groin injury on his debut when he came on as a late substitute in the Gunners’ 2-0 win in the Champions League over Athletic Club but could be available for selection this weekend.
Arsenal XI to face Fulham – Metro prediction
Ethan Nwaneri might harbour hopes of replacing Odegaard in the starting XI but Mikel Merino, fresh from two more goals for Spain this week, might be the more realistic option on Saturday evening.
Fulham vs Arsenal TV channel and kick-off time
Fulham vs Arsenal takes place on Saturday 18 October with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.