How Arsenal could line up against Crystal Palace

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus should be fit and raring to go for the Gunners' return to Premier League football against Crystal Palace in a Saturday lunchtime London derby at the Emirates.

The Brazil international sat out his side's 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup due to a minor knee problem, but he has since returned to full training in the Gunners' winter camp in Dubai.

Mikel Arteta could also have Oleksandr Zinchenko back from a calf concern, although the Ukrainian will need a once-over, and all of Mohamed Elneny, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira remain absent through international commitments or injury problems.

Arteta affirmed that Zinchenko was making strong progress in his recovery prior to the defeat to Liverpool, and having enjoyed ample recovery time, he could now demote own goal victim Jakub Kiwior down to the bench.

The rest of the rearguard - comprising David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes - should remain unchanged, while Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz ought to make up a recognisable engine room.

Havertz acted as Arteta's number nine during the visit of Liverpool, but with Jesus expected to be given the green light to line up on Saturday, the German will likely drop deeper as Jorginho takes his place on the bench.

Neither Bukayo Saka nor Gabriel Martinelli have been at their scintillating best in recent times, but Arteta is sure to keep faith with the young duo either side of a fit-again Jesus.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli