Arsenal are continuing to assess Mohamed Elneny ahead of their clash with Manchester United this weekend. The Egyptian was absent from the squad that secured a victory in the North London Derby over Tottenham on Sunday with a knee injury sustained in training.
In his absence youngster Matt Smith stepped up to the bench. It is understood that Elneny has not been in training at London Colney this week yet as Arsenal's medical staff continue to assess him. In his absence, Smith, Catalin Cirijan and Ben Cottrell have all been called up from the under-21s and have been involved in first-team training this week.
Mikel Arteta could also be without Cedric Soares who is recovering from a muscle problem that has kept him out of training. football.london understands that Fulham are talking to Arsenal about the possibility of taking the Portuguese international on loan for the remainder of the season.
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It is thought that the Gunners are cautious to let him go however, with Arteta valuing him as a key member of the squad. Talks have been held with Spanish right back Ivan Fresneda's representatives although it's unclear whether any move for him would happen this window or in the summer.
Arsenal are also likely to be without Reiss Nelson for this weekend's clash with Manchester United as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, although it's understood that he is getting closer to a return. The Gunners continue to be linked to signing a wide player this January after missing out on number one target Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.
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