Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has returned to full training and should be fit to face Manchester City on Sunday.
The centre-back was caught in the face by Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku during the FA Cup defeat a week ago.
It was thought that Koscielny may have suffered a broken jaw but it turned out to be just bruising. He wasn’t, though, able to recover in time for the 2-1 win over Cardiff on Tuesday.
Fans on Twitter are glad to see the 33-year-old back in contention to face City:
Good to hear Koscielny is back in full training having taken a nasty kick on his face.
— Jahan Miah (@AllAboutTheAFC) 1 February 2019
Good news indeed. More good news on Sokratis please! !
— Tafadzwa (@Cdetafadzwa) 1 February 2019
In dire need of both the players. It's crazy we can only have one this season though. Best wishes Bellaaa & come soon Koss
— ANGRYWENGA? (@_A4RS3NAL_) 1 February 2019
Koscielny fit might mean Unai will start 532 at Etihad for double coverage on their wingers
— Töby the Seaside Benchwarmer (@TifosoToby) 1 February 2019
Meanwhile Koscielny the boss is back, not sure whether to get excited or scared. Honestly I don't see us coming back from etihad with anything.
— evil carnival (@fredwaithaka) 1 February 2019
@arsenal@HectorBellerin,the return of koscielny may boost arsenal attack on sunday
— Asman o. khatiib (@Asmankhatiib) 1 February 2019
However, not all supporters were happy:
Don't start koscielny against city please
— Despacito Ramsey (@nalayak_launda_) 1 February 2019
Not Koscielny… Jeez. He really poor at the back
— muty (@mootyMaryn) 1 February 2019
In terms of other injury news, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are being assessed ahead of the match at the Etihad.
The Armenian hasn’t featured since the League Cup defeat to Tottenham in December due to a broken metatarsal.
Maitland-Niles, meanwhile, did not feature against Cardiff after sustaining a knee injury during the loss to United. Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding (both knee), Danny Welbeck and Sokratis (ankle) remain out for the long term.
