Ben White has stepped up his return to Arsenal training, as he targets a comeback against Leicester on Saturday.
White has not played for Arsenal since undergoing a minor knee operation in November.
But the right-back has taken part in training with the squad in Dubai, where the Gunners are spending six days to refresh ahead of the start of the Premier League title run-in.
Mikel Arteta has been targeting a return for White against Leicester and his availability would be a major boost for Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber has excelled at right-back but he has started 18 of Arsenal’s 21 matches since White last featured against Chelsea on November 10.
Increased defensive options would be good news for Arteta going into a crucial period of the season.
After travelling to Leicester this weekend, Arsenal face West Ham and Nottingham Forest in February before the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the start of March.
The Gunners, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool, also face Manchester United and Chelsea at the start of next month.
Gabriel Martinelli has joined the Arsenal squad in Dubai but reports claim he is facing more than a month out with the hamstring injury he suffered against Newcastle last week.
Arteta is set to provide an update on White and Martinelli at his press conference on Friday.
Arsenal hope Bukayo Saka will be ready to return in March after his hamstring injury.
