Arsenal have been handed six major injury boosts ahead of their Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid, according to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol.
Solhekol claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon that four key first-team stars had returned to full training ahead of Thursday’s semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Key playmaker Mesut Ozil has returned to training after missing their last two matches through illness, while fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere is also back in contention.
Left-back Sead Kolasinac was not in the squad for their big win against West Ham last time out, but he returns, as does goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Özil, Wilshere, Kolasinac & Cech back in full Arsenal training. Available against Atletico Madrid tomorrow
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) April 25, 2018
Aside from the immediate boosts regarding those four first-team stars, the Gunners also received good news on two further longer-term issues.
Midfielder Mohamed Elneny’s ankle injury is said to not be as bad as the club first thought, while attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan returned to light training and may be available for the second leg next week.
Elneny ankle injury not as bad as feared. Should be back for last Arsenal game of the season. Will be fit to play for Egypt in World Cup. Mkhitaryan training on his own today. Could be involved in 2nd leg v Atletico next week
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) April 25, 2018
OPINION
The four immediate returnees will give Arsene Wenger a massive boost ahead of the crucial home leg of the tie, with Ozil and Wilshere’s returns particularly important. This Atletico side will be hard to break down and they need to have players like them to fashion openings, especially at home. The news about Elneny is also encouraging, and for the player personally this will be a big boost after fears were raised about him missing the World Cup this summer.