Mikel Arteta

Arsenal trio close to returning from injury, Arteta says

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are close to returning to action.

Partey has returned to training having not played for the Gunners since October because of a hamstring injury, while Jesus has missed the last four games because of a knee issue.

Arteta also says defender Zinchenko is closing in on a comeback from a calf problem, though Takehiro Tomiyasu still needs longer in his recovery.

“Let’s see, we have another session today,” Arteta said when asked if Partey could return to the squad against Newcastle United.

“Obviously he has been out for many months now and we need to really nail the timing, and when he has enough in the tank to compete.

“But I think he is very close. Same with Gabi, he’s done a few things, and Alex is not far away too.

“Tomiyasu is still a bit more, I think.”

The Arsenal boss is also hopeful that Jurrien Timber will be able to play again this season, having missed almost the entire campaign with a serious knee injury.

“Really hope so,” Arteta said when asked if he might play for Arsenal this season.

“He is doing really well. He is going to start to do some bits with us in the next week or so, and then we have to see how that evolves. Hopefully yes.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *