Arsenal have been dealt a heavy blow with Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey set to be on the sidelines for three weeks.
The Gunner picked up a hamstring injury during the team’s barren Premier League draw with Southampton last Saturday.
“He will be out for a little longer and that will be maybe three weeks that he is not in contention,” Arsene Wenger said.
Arsenal will be without the 26-year-old in tje Carabao Cup quarter-final against the Hammers this month.
They will take on Chelsea on 3 January before an FA Cup game at Nottingham Forest on 7 January.
In addition, Theo Walcott will also miss Saturday’s game with Newcastle with.
The English forward is out with a groin injury but could return before Tuesday’s game with West Ham.
