Latest Arsenal injury news as Mikel Arteta handed Sporting CP boost amid Eddie Nketiah setback
Arsenal don’t have time to rest on their laurels. Mikel Arteta’s side have rediscovered their monumental form in the last month and have 17 games left before the end of the season.
In June, the Gunners could win their first-ever league/European double. A majestic performance from the north Londoners but there is still plenty of football to be played.
Sunday’s 3-0 win over Fulham meant Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. An all round impressive performance was crowned with the return of Gabriel Jesus after a three month absence to give Arteta a new signing feel.
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“Big boost. The first step today. We didn’t know if today was the right game,” admitted Arteta after the game. “He said to me a few days ago, ‘I’m missing something.’ Yesterday I looked him in the eye and he said, “I’m ready.” I said, “OK!” Then we had a chance to throw him in.
“It’s the first step to give him that big boost. He looks clear, he looks ready and he immediately created those two big chances. It’s great to have him back.”
Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 second leg against Sporting CP is a perfect opportunity for Arteta to give Jesus more minutes. The 25-year-old played 13 minutes at Craven Cottage and could be an option off the bench earlier in the competition.
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Three players who missed last week’s Lisbon draw all made quick returns to the squad. Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney missed the first leg through illness, while Leandro Trossard became the first player to score three assists in the first half of an away game in Premier League history.
The trio’s return means Arsenal will be without just two players in Thursday’s second leg against Sporting. Eddie Nketiah has not played since beating Everton in early March. “We’re testing him,” Arteta said last week.
“It’s a bit uncertain what’s going to happen to him, to be honest 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.”
The Hale Ender posted an update on his current rehabilitation progress on Instagram on Monday. However, the blow of Nketiah’s absence is somewhat softened by Jesus’ return.
Mohamed Elneny is the only other long-term doubt as injury worries ease for the Spaniard.
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