Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has delivered a fresh update on his ongoing ankle injury.
The Hale End academy graduate picked up a knock earlier this month, subsequently missing out on the matchday squad for recent clashes against Bournemouth, Sporting CP and Fulham. "We are assessing him," manager Mikel Arteta said last week when asked about the 23-year-old.
"It's a bit uncertain what will happen with him to be honest in the training sessions." The Spaniard continued: "Let’s see, let’s keep the options open. He’s very positive about it and hopefully he’ll be fine."
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Now, Nketiah has taken to social media to give a cryptic update on his current rehabilitation progress. Writing on Instagram, he said: "Step by step (egg time emoji) (flexing arm emoji)."
The Gunners will be hoping to have him back as soon as possible, with the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash against Sporting CP looming on Thursday evening. However, they have been boosted by the return of fellow forward Gabriel Jesus, who featured during Sunday's win against Fulham after missing over three months of action due to a knee injury.
Arteta admitted that having the Brazilian international back is huge ahead of a crucial period in their quest to beat second-placed Manchester City to the Premier League title. "[It’s a] big boost," the former City assistant coach said when asked about Jesus returning to the field.
"His first steps today and we didn’t know whether it was the right game for him today. A few days ago, he told me he was missing something and then yesterday he looked me in the eyes and told me he was ready.
"Then today we had the opportunity to throw him in because it’s that first step to give him the boost. He looked free and generated two big chances straightaway, and it’s great to have him back."
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