Arsenal injury latest ahead of Brighton clash with Martinelli, Partey and Tomiyasu updates

Arsenal will face an awkward challenge as they aim to continue their push for a first Premier League title in two decades this weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion will be the visitors to the Emirates Stadium looking to hand a boost to their own bid for success and a second successive campaign competing in European football after they secured a place in the Europa League with a sixth placed finish last season.

The Gunners' hectic schedule has caused issues for Mikel Arteta as he balances the quest for silverware on a number of fronts with his attempts to keep his squad as fresh as possible ahead of the always decisive decisive period.

With days to go until Sunday's meeting with the Seagulls, LondonWorld takes a look at some on the injury concerns facing the Gunners boss and assesses when some key players could return to action.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

The Japan international was arguably enjoying the best spell of his time at the Emirates Stadium when he suffered a calf injury in the 2-1 home win against Wolves earlier this month. Arteta suggested the versatile defender was facing 'a while' on the sidelines and will be wary of his upcoming international commitments with Japan as they prepare for the rescheduled AFC Asia Cup in January.

Jurrien Timber

There was a devastating blow for the Gunners on the first day of the Premier League season when summer signing Timber suffered a anterior cruciate ligament injury just weeks after completing a move to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta has confirmed the former Ajax defender is making progress after undergoing surgery but it seems the Gunners supporters may have to wait until well into the new year for a further look at the £34m signing.

Thomas Partey

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder was forced to undergo surgery on a thigh injury he suffered in training but will hope to make a return to action in the new year. There had been some talk of a pre-Christmas return but Gunners boss Arteta admitted he was unsure if that was a realistic target.

Fabio Vieira

Vieira has been left frustrated by an ongoing groin injury that required surgery last month. It seems highly unlikely the attacking midfielder will return to action until the final week of January as he continues with his recovery.

Mohamed Elneny

Speaking of frustration, Elneny belatedly made his first start of the season against PSV in midweek - but hobbled out of the action on the hour-mark after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The Egypt international will be assessed before further news is known over the severity of the injury and how long he could be facing on the sidelines.

Gabriel Martinelli

The Brazilian winger was absent for the 1-1 draw in Eindhoven on Tuesday night after succumbing to an illness. The Gunners medical staff will monitor him ahead of the weekend but it would be a surprise if he is not in contention for Sunday's game.