Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make in attack for Arsenal's trip to face Everton on Saturday night.
The Gunners will find themselves second in the Premier League table by the time they kick off if Manchester City beat West Ham earlier in the day.
Viktor Gyokeres struggled in the win over Wolves last weekend and is yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury.
Arteta could therefore be tempted to start Mikel Merino up front, with the Spaniard scoring twice and assisting three times in a run of five matches when Gyokeres was out.
"He's certainly an option," the Arsenal boss said of Merino on Friday.
"I think he's given us every reason as well to consider him in a really serious way."
There is also a chance that Gabriel Jesus comes in for his first start since January, but the Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday could be a better opportunity for him.
Riccardo Calafiori is available again after suspension and could come straight back into the starting lineup at left-back.
Ben White's hamstring injury is not a "major" one but he will miss the next few games, while Gabriel and Kai Havertz are both still unavailable despite "progressing well".
There could be a change in midfield, with Martin Odegaard potentially coming into the side to replace Eberechi Eze after starting on the bench against Wolves.
On the left, Leandro Trossard has been bright in recent matches and he could earn a start in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Injured: Gabriel, Mosquera, White, Dowman, Havertz
Time and date: 8pm GMT, Saturday December 20, 2025
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium
