Henrik Mkhitaryan could return to Arsenal’s line up in time for their first leg meeting with Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final.
The Armenian was expected to be out for some time after sustaining a knee injury in the last round against CSKA Moscow but boss Arsene Wenger has revealed the midfielder could return to action as early as next week after his return to training.
The Independent report that Wenger feels Mkhitaryan’s return will boost his side’s chances of progressing in the tournament.
Mkhitaryan is running again, he has to progress in the next three or four days. Possibly fit for Thursday, that is the earliest.
Arsenal face West Ham at home on Sunday and the Gunners will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle last weekend.
Arsenal are 14 points adrift of their North London rivals Tottenham in the league, and manager Wenger says the Europa League is now their focus.
For us it, the Europa League, is the biggest priority now. This weekend is preparation for Thursday. I rested most players after the CSKA Moscow game and they will need a game.
