Arsenal are optimistic that Oleksandr Zinchenko will be fit to return from injury against Southampton on Friday night.
The Ukraine international was absent for Sunday’s 2-2 draw against West Ham due to a groin issue and Kieran Tierney started in his place at left-back.
Arsenal missed Zinchenko at the London Stadium but he hopes to be back to face Southampton as the Gunners look to bounce back from their latest title setback at the weekend.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will provide an update on the fitness of Zinchenko in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Arsenal can move seven points clear of Manchester City at the summit with a win on Friday night and the return of Zinchenko would be a boost for the Premier League leaders, who travel to the Etihad Stadium for a key showdown next Wednesday.
William Saliba faces a race to be fit for the game against City, having been sidelined for a month with the back injury he suffered against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League a month ago.
Last week, Arteta said: “He’s progressing well and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him available in the next few weeks. We’ll have to see.”
