A fifth consecutive Premier League win is on the agenda for Arsenal when they head to the West Midlands to tackle Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta's team prolonged their victorious streak in phenomenal circumstances on Tuesday, sinking Luton Town 4-3 at Kenilworth Road thanks to a Declan Rice winner seven minutes into second-half stoppage time.
The Gunners' unforgettable success saw them increase their advantage at the top of the table to five points, although that lead will almost certainly be cut down depending on results later this week.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Unai Emery's Champions League-chasing Villa, who will pit their wits against holders Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Status: Out
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: Unknown
Takehiro Tomiyasu was beginning to make a name for himself in North London again before sustaining a calf problem against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arteta conceded this week that the 25-year-old is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Jurrien Timber
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber is making steady progress in his recovery from the ACL injury which cut his Premier League debut short in August, but the Dutchman still has several months of rehabilitation ahead of him.
Emile Smith Rowe
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: December 28 (vs. West Ham United)
In contrast, Emile Smith Rowe has a slim chance of making his comeback from a knee injury before the end of the calendar year, but a return in January is more realistic for the Englishman.
Thomas Partey
Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: December 28 (vs. West Ham United)
Likewise, Thomas Partey is also expected to miss the remainder of the calendar year after going under the knife to treat a thigh injury, but a comeback before the end of December has not been ruled out just yet.
Fabio Vieira
Status: Out
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: January 20 (vs. Crystal Palace)
Fabio Vieira completes Arsenal's list of surgical victims after undergoing a groin operation last month, and Arteta does not anticipate the midfielder returning before the January hiatus.
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players banned for this match, but Arteta was booked for his wild celebrations in Tuesday's win over Luton and will serve a one-game touchline suspension on account of receiving three yellow cards already this season. body check tags ::
