PARTEY TIME
How Arsenal could line-up at Wolves with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey back from suspension but Tomiyasu still a doubt
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ARSENAL return to Premier League action on Thursday following the winter break as they travel to Wolves.
Mikel Arteta's side, currently in sixth place, are without a win in five games in all competitions and have not played since they were held to a goalless draw by Burnley on January 23.
They resume their campaign with a couple of injury concerns, most notably right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu who is still struggling with a calf problem he picked up back in December.
Cedric Soares is also a worry, but Arteta will be hoping one of the pair can start the game.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash, Arteta was asked about Tomiyasu's fitness.
To which he responded: "He's there. He had a recurring injury in the same place so we have to be careful with him but he's been training hard.
"Let's see if he's available or not."
But the Spanish manager will welcome back Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey as the return from suspension.
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And Arsenal also have a number of options in the attacking areas.
Gabriel Martinelli has been preferred to Emile Smith Rowe on the left in recent times - while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is no longer an option following his move to Barcelona.
Bukayo Saka will almost certainly start, but whether or not Nicolas Pepe is selected will likely impact which flank the England star occupies.
Smith Rowe could also play as Arsenal's No10, but Martin Odegaard is expected to retain that position.
Current skipper Alexandre Lacazette is set to lead the line up front.
Meanwhile, Arteta also took the time to praise Wolves for their performances so far this season.
Bruno Lage's side currently sit eighth in the Prem table and have not lost in five league matches.
"They have been really consistent and really efficient throughout the season, that is what the league table is showing with the performances they put in," the Gunners coach added.
"So it's a really difficult opponent, we're going to be playing them twice [in two weeks] but we are difficult too."
Wolves did the double over Arsenal last season, beating them 2-1 at the Emirates and Molineux.
Lage's men will go above Arteta's outfit in the table if they can pick up three points.
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