Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be forced into a defensive reshuffle for Monday's Premier League London derby away to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Gunners lost versatile summer signing Jurrien Timber to an ACL injury after 50 minutes of last weekend's 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest, which could potentially rule the Dutchman out for the rest of the season.
Timber has filled in at left-back during Oleksandr Zinchenko's absence with a calf problem, but the Ukrainian has been pictured working with his teammates and is in with a strong chance of making a timely return this weekend.
However, Gabriel Jesus (knee) is still recovering from his operation, while the participation of Folarin Balogun (ankle), Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle) and Mohamed Elneny (knee) is uncertain, but not one of them would have forced their way into the first XI here.
Zinchenko's return may not be the only rearguard alteration considered by Arteta, who surprisingly left Gabriel Magalhaes out of the first XI against Forest, but the Brazilian will surely return to partner William Saliba here.
The duo should form a recognisable barrier in front of Aaron Ramsdale, who will likely hold off competition from David Raya for now, while Ben White being shifted to a right-back role could lead to Thomas Partey being pushed into midfield.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are untouchable in the engine room, so summer signing Kai Havertz might be relegated to the bench, as his chances of displacing Eddie Nketiah at the tip of the attack are slim.
The Englishman opened Arsenal's account for the new season thanks to a wonderful piece of trickery from Gabriel Martinelli, while Bukayo Saka - scorer of a sublime second against Forest - is poised to equal Paul Merson's club record of playing in 82 successive Premier League games for Arsenal.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Ben Knapton
