After grabbing a late winner at Villa Park last time out to go back to the top of the Premier League table, Arsenal travel to the King Power Stadium tomorrow to take on Leicester City as they look to make it two wins from two.
Mikel Arteta’s options are slowly increasing as a few players are now back in full first-team training. Here’s a look at who’s available and who’s not ahead of the 3pm kick-off tomorrow afternoon…
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe has been out with a groin issue for the majority of the 2022/23 season, with Arsenal’s number 10 being limited to only five appearances so far this season.
The Hale End academy graduate did return with substitute appearances against Tottenham and Oxford United but hasn’t featured for Arsenal since.
However, good news! Emile Smith Rowe has been in full first-team training for over a week now and is fully fit & available for the first time this season as he looks to play a big part in Arsenal’s title push for the remainder of the campaign.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is progressing well from the knee injury he picked up at the World Cup over two months ago now. The Brazilian is back running on the pitch and more recently doing some work with the ball as he continues his rehabilitation to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The game against Leicester this weekend is expected to come too soon for Arsenal’s number nine. However games against Everton & Bournemouth over the next week is a more realistic opportunity for Gabriel Jesus to return to the Arsenal squad.
Regardless, the comeback is getting ever closer which can only be good news for Mikel Arteta, despite the way Eddie Nketiah has stepped up in Gabriel Jesus’ absence over the last couple of month. The more options the better.
Mikel Arteta on Gabriel Jesus in today’s press conference:
“He’s doing more and more on the field. The knee is not reacting, so really positive. He’s really pushing the boundaries right now.”
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey is yet to be seen in Arsenal training so far this week, however his injury isn’t expected to be serious or one that will keep him out for a long period of time.
Considering how well Jorginho has performed over the last couple of games with Partey out, Arsenal are determined not to rush Thomas Partey back as they now have adequate cover for him, which wasn’t the case earlier on in the season.
Mikel Arteta on Thomas Partey ahead of the game against Leicester City:
“Thomas hasn’t trained much, but it looks like he could be available. Let’s see how he trains today.”
After hearing what the boss had to say it’s looking Thomas Partey could be available for this weekend’s game which will be a big boost for the team. If he doesn’t quite make it then he’ll definitely be back for Everton on Wednesday which is great news.
Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny won’t feature for Arsenal again this season after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year.
