Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their clash with Fulham on Sunday, according to reports, with two top stars in contention to return.
The Gunners have dealt with injury problems throughout this season, a problem which was laid bare during their 2-2 draw with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.
Arsenal were not able to field a natural striker - at least in terms of recent experience - in the match, with Gabriel Martinelli starting up front in Portugal. While formerly a natural striker, Martinelli has played as a wide forward for Arsenal for a number of seasons.
Arteta admitted that the lack of a striker was a challenge after the match, with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus both absent in Portugal through injury. Leandro Trossard, who has played in a centre forward in recent weeks, was also unavailable.
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But, in a timely boost ahead of the Fulham fixture, Arsenal could have two of those options available again.
Arsenal handed double injury boost
According to Goal's Arsenal reporter Charles Watts, as per sources, Jesus could be involved at Craven Cottage in what is huge news for the Gunners boss.
Jesus hasn't played since suffering a knee injury whilst playing for Brazil at the World Cup in December, with football.london reporting earlier this month that he was likely to be back before the international break.
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Meanwhile, it is also claimed that Trossard could return after suffering a groin injury in the 3-2 win against Bournemouth.
And in a further boost, captain Martin Odegaard is also expected to resume his key role in the side after missing the Sporting clash through illness, with that now confirmed by Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill. Kieran Tierney has also recovered from illness.
All four players were missed in Portugal, and Arteta will now hope that they are ready to at least play some part at Craven Cottage as the Gunners look to restore their five-point advantage at the top of the Premier League table.
They will, however, have to do it without Eddie Nketiah, with the striker still suffering from an ankle injury.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Fulham, Premier League, Injury