Returning from a warm-weather training camp with the intention of ending a three-game losing run, Arsenal square off with Crystal Palace in a Premier League London derby on Saturday lunchtime.
Before jetting off to soak up the Dubai sun, Mikel Arteta's troops were defeated by Fulham and West Ham United in the top flight before their FA Cup journey ended prematurely in a 2-0 third-round loss to Liverpool.
Owing to their winter malaise, Arsenal have a five-point gap to make up to leaders Liverpool as they sit fourth in the Premier League table, only above Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference having played a game more.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with the Eagles, who lie 14th in the top-flight standings.
Status: Out
Type of injury: International
Possible return date: Unknown
Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently donning his country's colours at the Asian Cup, and Arteta will make do without the right-back for a number of weeks.
Status: Out
Type of injury: International
Possible return date: Unknown
Mohamed Elneny is also on international duty this month, representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, although he would only be on the bench at best this weekend anyway.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber is now undertaking individual ball work as he steps up his recovery from a serious ACL injury, but it will still be some time before the Dutchman is ready for a first-team return.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: February 4 (vs. Liverpool)
Thomas Partey was left out of Ghana's AFCON squad due to his ongoing thigh problem, which has proven to be more severe than first feared, and a return this month is not thought to be possible.
Status: Out
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: February 4 (vs. Liverpool)
Similarly, Fabio Vieira will take a little while longer to fully recuperate from a groin operation, but the Portuguese playmaker is expected to make his comeback at some point in February.
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: January 20 (vs. Crystal Palace)
Despite "progressing well" in training before the loss to Liverpool, Oleksandr Zinchenko sat out that FA Cup tie with his calf problem, and the Ukraine international remains a doubt for the visit of Palace at the time of writing.
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: January 20 (vs. Crystal Palace)
Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal's absentee list for the defeat to Liverpool with a slight knee injury, but he has been pictured training with the group in Dubai and is expected to be fit for the derby.
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no suspended players for this match. body check tags ::
