Arsenal centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been pictured back on the training pitch following an ankle injury.
The latest news from the medical department is that the Greek international is due to return to full fitness at the end of February.
However, supporters on Twitter are hopeful that Sokratis can come back into the fold earlier than expected to help shore up Unai Emery’s backline:
The kind of pictures that makes you smile early in the morning
— Abu~Abdullah (@Ridhwan_ade) 7 February 2019
Come back quick PAPA. Can’t see the clown Mustafi every match
— Shrithik Kothari (@ShrithikKothari) 7 February 2019
This guy is the only defender we have
— Ramatsoma Bongani (@bobobeezybongz) 7 February 2019
Welcome back papa
— Dickson Nyamu (@nyamu_dickson) 7 February 2019
Tell me he’s ok to play..
— Maina Njôki. (@MainaNjoki019) 7 February 2019
Yeeeeeeeaaaaahhhh….Papa is back?
— DanlinOmondiDondinho (@DDondinho) 7 February 2019
PAPA is a Warrior
— Fly Emerytes (@Emerys_Era) 7 February 2019
Welcome back Papa. We need more players like you with character in this club
— K_rossi (@K__rossi) 7 February 2019
GREEK WARRIOR!!!?????????????????
— Anthony (@antoniss88) 7 February 2019
Good news
— Zhuma (@Zhuma46124567) 7 February 2019
Papa is back ,yess
— Ray Mkups (@RMkups) 7 February 2019
With Shkodran Mustafi struggling in the centre of defence, and Rob Holding out for the season, the Greek defender’s return to the first team cannot come soon enough for some Gunners fans.
Of course, the 30-year-old won’t cure all of Arsenal’s defensive problems but he was a mainstay for most of the London club’s 22 match unbeaten run earlier in the campaign.
Since Sokratis went off injured against Manchester United in the FA Cup defeat last month, the Gunners have conceded seven goals in their last three matches.
