“He’s progressing really well, but it’s a bit too soon to tell you exactly when we’re going to have him back,” Arteta said in his press conference on Friday afternoon.
There are also doubts over Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of the Premier League clash at London Stadium. Jesus missed the 3-1 win over Liverpool due to a recurrence of a knee problem that had flared up prior to his goalscoring performance against Nottingham Forest. Zinchenko, meanwhile, started the game against the Reds but was taken off at half-time due to an issue with his calf.
“We have a few still in contention,” Arteta said. “They’ve been evolving really well. Tomorrow [Sunday] we have another training session. We’re hopeful that we’ll have a few back and that we can put a very competitive squad out there.” Arteta added that there was “no update” regarding Jesus’ fitness.
Bukayo Saka is fine, though, after picking up a knock against Jurgen Klopp’s side. “Yes again he’s been recovering this week and he looks OK,” Arteta explained.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also expected to return to the matchday squad following his international commitments with Japan at the Asian Cup. The Japanese international will be welcomed back and could even replace Zinchenko if the Ukrainian does not make the trip across London.
Arsenal are already without Fabio Vieira, Jurrien Timber and Partey, it is possible Arsenal are also without Jesus and Zinchenko for the clash versus David Moyes’ side. Now, that would mean Arteta is without five senior players for the London derby.
