Eddie Nketiah provides fresh injury update ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash vs Sporting

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has provided a fresh update on his ongoing ankle injury.

The Hale End Academy graduate took a hit earlier this month and subsequently missed the matchday squad for recent clashes against Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Fulham. “We’re looking at him,” said manager Mikel Arteta last week when asked about the 23-year-old.

“To be honest, it’s a bit uncertain what will happen to him in the training sessions.” The Spaniard continued: “Let’s see, let’s keep the options open. He’s very positive and hopefully he’ll be fine.”

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Now Nketiah has taken to social media to give a cryptic update on his current rehabilitation progress. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Step by step (emoji with eggs) (emoji with strained arm).”

The Gunners are hoping to bring him back as soon as possible given Thursday night’s Europa League round of 16 second leg against Sporting CP. However, they were bolstered by the return of fellow striker Gabriel Jesus, who featured in Sunday’s win against Fulham after missing more than three months with a knee injury.

Arteta admitted the return of the Brazil international is huge ahead of a pivotal period in their quest to beat second-placed Manchester City for the Premier League title. “[It’s a] big boost,” said the former City assistant coach when asked if Jesus had returned to the field.

“His first steps today and we didn’t know if today was the right game for him. A few days ago he told me he was missing something and yesterday he looked me in the eye and told me he was ready.