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Arsenal confirm fitness boost but Arteta could be without 6 players versus Tottenham

By on July 10, 2020

Bernd-Leno-arsenal

Arsenal have confirmed a fitness boost with the news that Bernd Leno is hoping to return to full training before the end of the season.

Leno initially looked like he was facing several months on the sidelines after he suffered a knee injury against Brighton on June 20th. Tests showed no serious damage, which was a huge relief, but he was still expected to miss the rest of the season having been ruled for around 6 weeks.

But Leno has been making excellent progress during his recovery and Arsenal have now confirmed on Arsenal.com that the goalkeeper is aiming to resume full training before the end of the season. It means Leno still has a chance of playing again this season as long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks over the coming weeks.

Obviously our No.1 will still miss this weekend’s huge trip to Tottenham and Mikel Arteta is set to be without six of his first team squad for the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon.

Gabriel Martinelli remains out with a knee injury that’ll keep him out for the rest of the season, Pablo Mari won’t be back in training until September while Calum Chambers is still working his way back from a knee ligament injury.

Eddie Nketiah will also miss Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham after we failed in our appeal to overturn his sending off against Leicester and Mesut Ozil is still a doubt due to an apparent ‘sore back’.

Ozil hasn’t featured since the restart and I don’t expect him to be available against Tottenham either so Arteta will be without six players – seven if you include Matteo Guendouzi as he’s also unlikely to be recalled to the squad.

mesut ozil arsenal 2018

A team news update on Arsenal.com said:

Calum Chambers
Left knee. Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Chelsea (h) on December 29. Rehabilitation post-surgical repair continuing and currently progressing well with running and gym work. Will not be available for the current schedule of remaining 2019/20 matches.

Bernd Leno
Right knee. Sustained moderate ligament sprain during Brighton & Hove (a) on June 20. Progressing very well in recovery. Aiming to return to full training before the end of the season.

Pablo Mari
Left ankle. Sustained significant sprain to ankle ligaments during Manchester City (a) on June 17. Has had a successful procedure to the injury and is now in the early stages of his recovery. Aiming to return to full training in September.

Gabriel Martinelli
Left knee. Sustained injury during training on June 21. Successful arthroscopic procedure undertaken to repair a lesion in the cartilage of the left knee. Will not be available for the current schedule of remaining 2019/20 matches.

Eddie Nketiah
Suspended for three matches following red card against Leicester City (h) on Tuesday. Available again for Aston Villa (a) on Tuesday, July 21.

Mesut Ozil
Being assessed ahead of Tottenham Hotspur (a) following back soreness.

We head to Tottenham knowing realistically that any slim hopes of snatching a Champions League place have gone following our draw with Leicester so the focus is now securing Europa League qualification.

A win will open up a four point gap between Arsenal and Tottenham while it will also keep the pressure on Wolves and Sheffield United above us so it’s important we come away with a positive result this weekend.