Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about Takehiro Tomiyasu's chances of being fit for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The former Bologna man suffered a serious injury on his other calf after shaking off a previous issue and has been absent for Arsenal's last nine Premier League matches.
Tomiyasu returned to training before the win over Chelsea but was not involved at Stamford Bridge, although Arteta is hopeful that the Japanese right-back will be fit for the weekend alongside Alexandre Lacazette.
When asked for an update on Tomiyasu in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "If he trains today and he feels good he will be available tomorrow."
Elaborating on Lacazette, Arteta added: "He trained yesterday and hopefully he will be feeling today. After COVID we have players that have struggled for weeks others that have recovered quickly. Hopefully he can recover quickly."
Arsenal hold a three-point lead over Man United with a game in hand and could temporarily rise into the top four of the Premier League table with at least a point on Saturday.
Ben Knapton
