Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has said he is “worried” about Arsenal maintaining their strong start to the season when the Premier League resumes on Boxing Day.
The Gunners beat Wolves 2-0 in their last match before the World Cup to open a five-point gap at the top ahead of Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men have lost just one of their first 14 matches and won 12.
Arsenal have also benefited from some first-team players Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Magalhaes not going to the World Cup.
Others, such as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, exited the tournament in the group stage or last 16 and have already resumed full training with the rest of the squad.
However, Gabriel Jesus was forced to return early from Qatar, with the Brazilian striker potentially sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
It leaves Eddie Nketiah as the only senior, fit striker at Arteta’s disposal.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: “I’m worrying for Arsenal after we go back!
“I’m just saying. Just because of Jesus, that’s all I’m worried about.”