Mikel Arteta hopes to have Kai Havertz available for Arsenal’s Premier League game against Brighton on Saturday.
The Gunners can move to within three points of leaders Liverpool should they extend their winning run on the south coast.
Arsenal were forced to come from behind to win at Brentford on New Year’s Day in the absence of the Germany international who was unavailable due to illness.
Gabriel Jesus led the line at the Gtech Community Stadium and continued his purple patch with a well-taken equaliser.
Havertz, however, is likely to be back in contention although he could again start in midfield as he did in the recent wins over Crystal Palace and Ipswich.
Arsenal will again be without Bukayo Saka who is facing an extended period on the sidelines, but Raheem Sterling’s return is imminent.
The on-loan Chelsea winger has missed the last three games with a knee injury but should be back to bolster the squad shortly.
‘I think he’s starting to do some stuff on the pitch. Let’s see how he progresses next week,’ confirmed Arteta.
Arsenal are likely to have an issue at right-back against Brighton with Jurrien Timber suspended.
Thomas Partey is likely to deputise but Arteta is optimistic that Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White will be ready to make their eagerly anticipated returns before too long.
‘Ben still a few weeks away, Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, it’s been a long term injury and now we will see how he reacts,’ Arteta revealed.
Pressed as to whether White, who underwent knee surgery in November, could be back before the end of the month Arteta added: ‘It might be a possibility, but he hasn’t done anything yet with the team. The knee looks well, but he needs to load.
‘I am positive he might be back quite early, but we will have to see.’