Arsenal could be boosted for Manchester United’s visit to the Emirates by the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The 23-year-old settled very quickly in North London after his summer move from Bologna but has not played for the Gunners since mid-January having been troubled by a niggling calf injury.
With just six league games remaining, and a spot in the top four still up for grabs, Arteta will be delighted by the potential return his first-choice right back.
Speaking about the Japanese full-back, Arteta confirmed: ‘If he trains today and feels good he will be available tomorrow yes.’
Tomiyasu has settled very quickly in North London following his summer move from Bologna – making 16 Premier League appearances and picking up Arsenal’s Player of the Month for September.
Arsenal are training at the Emirates today, a change to their usual schedule due to Saturday’s game being a lunchtime kick-off.
Arteta voiced his annoyance last month about rescheduled fixtures leaving Arsenal with a midweek game followed by an early kick-off on the Saturday.
He added: ‘They [Arsenal’s players] had a recovery session yesterday and today we are training late in the stadium because of obviously the turnaround.
‘It is again what they did to us a few weeks ago so it is the best way to try to train as late as possible to be able to do something before the match.’
Club captain Alexandre Lacazette is also in contention to start against United having returned to training following a positive coronavirus test.
The Frenchman was fit enough to make a brief cameo deep into added time during their 4-2 win over Chelsea earlier this week but could lead the line on Saturday.
Arsenal will kick off three points ahead of United – despite having played a game less.
Asked if Arsenal can knock United out of the top four race with a victory, Arteta said: ‘I think there are going to be a lot of twists still.
‘And that’s what we have to do, perform and play well tomorrow to deserve to win the match which I think will be difficult.’
Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane are set to return as United head to the Emirates following their 4-0 loss to Liverpool midweek.