West Ham have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of our Boxing Day London derby clash with Arsenal at the Emirates. 

David Moyes’ side are set to resume Premier League action following the World Cup break and are under huge pressure to kick start a so-far disappointing season.

West Ham currently occupy 16th spot and sit just a point off the relegation zone, this is despite a huge summer outlay on new recruits to push the club on following back-to-back campaigns of European football qualification.

The trip to north London in just 3 days time is a daunting one considering that Arsenal are the current league leaders having been in blistering form since the season commenced in August.

However, despite the omens not looking favourable for West Ham and David Moyes, the Scot has received a huge boost with his counterpart Mikel Arteta confirming that the Gunners currently have an injury crisis on their hands.

As widely reported having picked up a knee injury with his native Brazil, Gabriel Jesus has been sidelined for a number of months and will definitely miss the derby.

Furthermore, Arteta confirmed that Emile Smith-Rowe has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury and will most likely be unavailable on Boxing Day.

Oleksandr Zinchenko missed Arsenals recent friendly with Luton Town and although is progressing in his return, he is a major doubt for the match against Moyes’ Hammers.

Another who missed out on the friendly with Luton was Kieran Tierney, who has continuously struggled with injuries since joining the club. He, like Zinchenko, is looking unlikely to feature against West Ham.

The match still remains a huge task for Moyes and his side, but the loss of momentum for Arsenal provided by the World Cup break and now with many key players missing – this is arguably the best time to be playing the league leaders.

The mood in East London needs a big lift, and a positive performance and result at the Emirates would certainly get the fans believing this season will turn around.