Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Mohamed Elneny is in contention to face FC Zurich in the Europa League this evening.

The Egyptian international suffered a serious hamstring injury back in August and it was initially estimated that he would return in January but, in his pre-match conference yesterday, Arteta made the surprise claim that he is back available:

“Mo had a long-term injury but he has recovered now in a really good way and has been training with the team for a week or two.”

Medical staff are pretty careful when it comes to hamstrings. They usually err on the side of caution as there is always a risk that the player could suffer a recurrence but it appears that Arteta has been given the nod to play Elneny.

It’s doubtful that we will see the 30-year-old play from the start tonight but a brief cameo at the end of the match, if the win has been wrapped up, can’t be ruled out.

Having Elneny back for the last few games before the World Cup is a timely boost for the Gunners, who have had to make do with limited options in midfield.