Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has cast fresh injury doubts in his defence with Jurrien Timber in a fitness race to face Wolves.
The Gunners host rock-bottom Wolves on Saturday as the heavy favourites to get back to winning ways.
Arsenal face an injury crisis at a crucial time of the season, as they prepare for a hectic schedule over the festive period.
Jurrien Timber could add to defensive injury woes
Arteta confirmed in his press conference on Friday that they will have to make a late decision on the involvement of Timber.
The Dutchman was absent for the Champions League victory over Club Brugge in the week, with Christian Norgaard filling in at centre-back.
Described as a knock, the Spaniard said of his potential involvement: “Again, it depends on how he feels today.
“It was a knock that he picked, and he wasn’t feeling comfortable. So again, I think it’s a matter of days, but whether it’s tomorrow or not, we’ll see.”
Arsenal have been without first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel, while Cristhian Mosquera is also out until the New Year with an ankle injury.
Saliba hasn’t featured in the last four matches with an ankle injury, but Arteta confirmed there’s a small chance he could return to play Wolves, but a return to face Everton is more likely.
He added: “We have to wait and see. Yesterday we didn’t train, so we have an extra day between this afternoon, let’s see if he can be available or not.
“It remains the same. If you asked me for the Everton game, I think he will be fit; for tomorrow, I don’t know. ”
Arteta is also set to make decisions on Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
He said of Rice: “Let’s see how he is today. He was ill, that’s an illness, normally in a few days it gets resolved, but we have to wait and see. Again, another one (Trossard) that is a matter of days. It sounds boring, but it’s the reality, so we don’t know.”
Gabriel Jesus to stay at Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus has seen his immediate Arsenal future thrown into doubt with constant injuries impacting his availability.
The Brazilian made his return to the side after 11 months out in the 3-0 victory over Club Brugge, but faces tough competition to regain his place.
The summer arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, form of Mikel Merino in attack and the impending return of Kai Havertz will see opportunities hard to come by.
However, Arteta will have no plans to let Jesus leave next month.
He said: “I don’t consider that, especially with the situation that we have right now. I think Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team, and he’s proven that straightaway in the first minute that he was available to play.
“He’s put so much into being in this position again, and now the focus is to be with us.”
