Arsenal handed timely Eddie Nketiah boost ahead of Premier League title run-in

11 April 2023 , 13:25

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Eddie Nketiah has provided Mikel Arteta with a timely injury boost

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has returned to training in a timely boost for Mikel Arteta during the Premier League title run-in.

Nketiah has been missing for over a month with an ankle problem, but was spotted in training at London Colney on Tuesday ahead of his return.

The 23-year-old had aggravated an ankle injury during a cameo against Everton at the start of March but could now return to the squad for this Sunday's London derby against relegation-threatened West Ham.

And Nketiah's recovery is welcome news for boss Arteta ahead of a decisive eight matches to end the season.

He has scored nine goals in all competitions this season and was a more than capable deputy for Gabriel Jesus during the Brazilian international's lengthy layoff with a knee-injury.

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Arteta can now utilise the striker as an extra goalscoring option from the bench, with Jesus expected to continue leading the line as part of the formidable front three with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

But Nketiah will face competition to get minutes in the final matches of the campaign with January signing Leonardo Trossard also thriving for Arteta in a central role.

But it appears Arteta will have to continue his push for the title without William Saliba, who is still not ready to make his return.

The French defender has been instrumental to Arsenal's success this season but has been out with a back problem ever since the Gunners were knocked out of the Europa League by Sporting CP on March 16.

William Saliba has not yet recovered from his back injury (Getty Images)

His absence was a considerable blow before Sunday's enthralling 2-2 against Liverpool at Anfield and he has still not returned to first-team training.

Arteta does not want to rush Saliba back from his injury and he is now a doubt once more for the away trip to West Ham.

The Gunners then face Southampton at home a week on Friday, before a potentially title-defining clash at Manchester City on April 26.

Ben Parsons