Mikel Arteta is hopeful of having Kieran Tierney available for Arsenal's Premier League meeting with Watford on Sunday afternoon.

The left-back has missed the Gunners' last three wins with a bruised ankle, but Arteta delivered a positive update on his condition during his pre-match press conference.

Tierney's return would leave Granit Xhaka (knee) as the hosts' only absentee for this contest, with the midfielder still a couple of months away from a return to action.

Should Tierney not be deemed ready to start, Arteta is in safe hands with Nuno Tavares, who has impressed in that role in recent weeks and will be eyeing another start for the Gunners here.

Aaron Ramsdale continues to star for Arsenal as the last line of defence, and while he earned a call-up to the England squad for November's fixtures, Ben White was controversially left out.

Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga will continue as the midfield pairing in Xhaka's absence, while Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe - the latter of whom also did not make the Three Lions cut - will provide the width.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struck six goals in five Premier League meetings with Watford and is set to lead the line alongside Alexandre Lacazette in Arteta's 4-4-2 setup.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Saka, Partey, Lokonga, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang, Lacazette body check tags ::