Arsenal team news is bad for Hammers

Ahead of the West Ham v Arsenal game at 3 pm this afternoon, the Gunners have announced team news on the injury front by confirming that Bukayo Saka is ‘available for selection‘.  The forward sustained a minor hamstring injury during the north London derby against Spurs and he was substituted at the halfway mark.

He subsequently missed the European Olympiacos clash as a precaution, but he has been declared fit ahead of the trip to the London Stadium.

Meanwhile, Willian was a surprise absentee on Thursday with a calf problem and will undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he will make the matchday squad. Saka has been a key player for the Gunners this term, registering six goals and six assists across all competitions.

Previewing the London Stadium derby in his virtual pre match press conference, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “We know we’re going to have a really tough game. They’re in great form. They’ve been really consistent.

“They know really well what to do and how to hurt opponents. I know David really well and I’m sure he’s going to prepare a really difficult game against us.”

Full Arsenal squad available to face West Ham:

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Mat Ryan & Runar Alex Runarsson.

Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Cedric Soares, David Luiz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari & Kieran Tierney.

Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Dani Ceballos, Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Willian (if fit), Reiss Nelson & Nicolas Pepe.

Strikers: Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eddie Nketiah & Gabriel Martinelli.