How Arsenal could line up against West Ham United

Arsenal begin life in the Premier League without Gabriel Jesus when they host West Ham United at the Emirates for a Boxing Day London derby.

The Brazilian striker is expected to be out for around three months after undergoing surgery on the knee injury that he picked up at the World Cup, meaning that Eddie Nketiah will step into his shoes for the time being.

Jesus is currently joined in the infirmary by Reiss Nelson, who suffered a hamstring injury in a friendly defeat to Juventus last weekend, while Emile Smith Rowe (groin) should not be risked just yet.

However, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are seemingly set to make their returns to the attacking line in any case, as Martin Odegaard wears the captain's armband from the number 10 spot.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have resumed their effective midfield partnership, but William Saliba will need a once-over after reaching the World Cup final with France, albeit while playing just one match.

Saliba's lack of game time in Qatar could therefore see him given the green light to join Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, with Ben White occupying his regular right-back role after leaving the England camp early for personal reasons.

Kieran Tierney will likely take his place at left-back due to Oleksandr Zinchenko's calf issue, as Aaron Ramsdale holds off the threat of the impressive Matt Turner to start in goal.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah