Jesus and Reiss Nelson injuries : Arteta promotes Nigerian striker to Arsenal first team training 

Arsenal have stepped up their preparations for their Boxing Day clash against West Ham United, with a training session held at London Colney on Saturday, December 24. 

The Gunners were in superb form before the World Cup break, sitting five points clear at the top of the table having accumulated 37 points with 12 wins, one draw and a controversial defeat to Manchester United. 

Heading into the game against the Hammers, Arsenal are facing an injury crisis in attack, with Brazil international Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson not available for selection after sustaining injuries, while Emile Smith Rowe is still recovering from a groin problem but could be back soon. 

Manager Mikel Arteta has been forced to look elsewhere for options in the attacking third, with London-born Nigerian youngster Nathan Butler-Oyedeji among the contenders. 

The Spanish football tactician ran the rule over Butler-Oyedeji during today's training session with a view to his possible inclusion in the matchday squad to face West Ham. 

The Hale Ender has been firing on all cylinders this season, netting six goals in all competitions for the U21s, more than any other player in the development squad. 

Butler-Oyedeji fits the bill as a potential replacement for the injured players given that he is capable of playing anywhere across the front line. 

The 19-year-old was in the traveling party to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Super Cup, featuring in friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan while making the bench against Juventus. 

Butler-Oyedeji has yet to receive a call-up to the first team for a competitive match since joining Arsenal at the age of eight. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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