Emiliano Martinez expected to start for Arsenal against West Ham after David Ospina injury blow

Arsenal have been hit with a massive injury blow heading into their clash against West Ham United on Wednesday (5 April), with both the first and second choice goalkeepers ruled out.

Arsene Wenger ruled out Petr Cech during his pre-match press conference with the Czech Republic goalkeeper having missed the previous game with a calf injury he picked up 38 minutes into the 3-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. David Ospina has deputised for the former Chelsea stopper, but is now set for a spell on the sidelines after failing to recover from a back injury sustained during the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday (2 April).

The Frenchman will have to call upon third choice 'keeper Emiliano Martinez, who has not featured in the Premier League even once this season. The Argentine has made just three appearances in the EFL Cup while also being involved with the Under-23 side.

The 24-year-old could see himself thrown into the deep end for more than one game with The Times reporting that the Colombian's injury is worse than first feared and could sideline him for more than a single game. Wenger revealed during his pre-match briefing that Cech could return for their clash against Crystal Palace on Monday (11 April), but in case the 34-year-old fails to return the Argentine stopper could continue in goal.

The double injury blow, meanwhile, has forced Arsenal to recall young stopper Matt Macey from his loan spell at Luton Town FC, according to Bedfordshire News. The 22-year-old joined the League Two outfit on the final day of the January transfer window and has started every game bar one since then.

Macey will take his place on the Arsenal bench for the visit of Slaven Bilic's side and could continue to deputise for the forthcoming fixtures against Palace and Middlesbrough if Cech and Ospina fail to recover from their respective injuries.