The Gunners entered the World Cup break five points clear of Manchester City at the summit, meaning that they will be top of the table at Christmas for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

Mikel Arteta's side beat Lyon and AC Milan to win the Dubai Super Cup during their period of winter friendlies, but their final exhibition game ended in a disappointing 2-0 loss to Juventus.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with the Hammers, who are hovering just above the dotted line in 16th place.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus in action for Brazil on December 2, 2022 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Gabriel Jesus sustained a serious knee injury in Brazil's World Cup defeat to Cameroon and was forced to undergo surgery earlier this month. Arteta has refused to put a timeframe on the striker's recovery, but he is expected to remain absent for approximately three months.

Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe warms up for Arsenal in September 2022 © Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: December 26 (vs. West Ham)

Emile Smith Rowe is in the final stages of his rehabilitation from groin surgery and could potentially make his comeback on Boxing Day, but the New Year's Day clash with Brighton & Hove Albion is a more realistic target.

Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson goes down injured for Arsenal on December 17, 2022 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Reiss Nelson came off in the first half of last weekend's loss to Juventus after sustaining a hamstring injury, and the English attacker will spend the next few weeks recovering.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko in action for Arsenal on August 20, 2022 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: December 26 (vs. West Ham)

The injury-plagued Oleksandr Zinchenko missed a recent behind-closed-doors friendly with Luton Town due to a minor calf problem, which has been bedevilling him throughout the winter, but the Ukrainian left-back will push to return on Monday.

William Saliba

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Other
Possible return date: December 26 (vs. West Ham)

William Saliba played a bit-part role as France reached the final of the World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties last weekend. There have been question marks over the 21-year-old's availability for this game, but Arteta will expect to have him at his disposal.