Thomas Partey could reportedly be back in the Arsenal squad in time for Sunday's Premier League contest with Burnley.
The Ghana international suffered an early elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations with his country, who took just one point from their three games in Group C.
Partey played the full 90 minutes in all three contests, but Mikel Arteta now expects the former Atletico Madrid man to be ready for Arsenal action "as soon as possible".
According to the Evening Standard, Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg with Liverpool will come too soon for Partey, but the midfielder could return against Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
The report adds that Partey is already back in London and is hopeful of a place in the team for the weekend, where Arteta will still be without Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny.
Partey has started 15 Premier League games for the Gunners in the 2021-22 season and scored his first goal for the club against Aston Villa back in October.
Ben Knapton
