Mikel Arteta: "Phenomenal" Mohamed Elneny deserves more credit

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has claimed that "phenomenal" midfielder Mohamed Elneny is one of the most important players in the Gunners squad.

The Egypt international has been a bit-part player for the North London club this term but produced an assured midfield display in Wednesday's 4-2 Premier League win against Chelsea.

Elneny is expected to leave the club when his deal expires at the end of the season, but Arteta believes that the 29-year-old does not always get the credit his performances deserve.

"I say that for me he's one of the most important players in the squad. He's a phenomenal person and as well a great footballer that sometimes gets overlooked," Arteta told the press ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester United.

With Thomas Partey expected to miss the rest of the season due to a thigh injury, Elneny - who has started just twice in the Premier League this term - will aim to keep his place against the Red Devils.

Arteta also provided a positive injury update on Takehiro Tomiyasu as Arsenal aim to move six points clear of Man United in the Premier League table.