Arsenalvs.Ipswich

Mikel Arteta's men broke up for Christmas on the back of a 5-1 London derby thrashing of Crystal Palace, just a few days after eking out a 3-2 EFL Cup quarter-final win over the Eagles.

Thanks to Chelsea's goalless draw with Everton, the Gunners have moved to within two points of the Blues in the Premier League table, but they remain six points below Liverpool having played a game more.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Ipswich, who were humiliated 4-0 at home by Newcastle United last time out.

Bukayo Saka

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Arsenal's 5-1 thumping of Palace was marred by the serious hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka, and Arteta has now confirmed that the winger will spend "many weeks" on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out until March.

Raheem Sterling

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

The second of two new offensive blows for Arteta, Raheem Sterling missed the trip to Selhurst Park after suffering a knee injury, and the on-loan Chelsea man will also be missing for the foreseeable future.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: December 27 (vs. Ipswich)

Oleksandr Zinchenko's muscular problem did not heal in time for him to face Palace, despite Arteta proclaiming that he would "probably" be available, but there is seemingly a strong chance that he will make the cut on Friday.

Ben White

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben White had been managing a knee injury for months before the decision was taken for the right-back to undergo surgery in November, and he will not return until the spring.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

There was some brief confusion in Arteta's pre-Palace press conference when he appeared to suggest that Takehiro Tomiyasu would be available for the Selhurst Park trip, but his comments were quickly clarified, and there is still no timeframe on the Japan international's return from a knee problem.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.

Written by

Ben Knapton