Arsenal have been boosted with the news that Alexandre Lacazette is available for Sunday's Premier League tie against Leicester City.
The Frenchman has been in superb form for Mikel Arteta's side of late, with his link-up play and leadership qualities becoming crucial to Arsenal's chase for a European spot.
Lacazette shared a photo on social media of his ankle after Wednesday's training session, which he captioned with a tongue-in-cheek reference to Arsenal's Player of the Month for February, Thomas Partey.
The ex-Lyon man captioned the photo: “Player of the Month, Killer of the Day,” while tagging Partey.
However, football.london understands that Lacazette is only sporting a bruised ankle and is expected to be involved in the weekend's league encounter against the Foxes.
"His position is vitally important to everything we do, just look at the two assists he got [against Watford]," said Arsenal legend Ian Wright on Wrighty’s House Podcast.
"Unless we get that person, you think to yourself, maybe we could give Laca another year or two.
"I think Laca has got to stay around, man. You can see with his little back flick, his little assist [for Bukayo Saka against Watford]. Man is feeling the vibe!"
Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe has returned to individual training after recovering from Covid.
The midfielder has nine Premier League goals to his name this season and will be hopeful of at least being in contention to be named in the squad on Sunday.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has struggled with calf injuries over the past couple of months, has yet to return to first team training.
The Japan international is in the process of completing his recovery but still not deemed ready to be involved in training.
Cedric Soares looks set to continue at right back following several accomplished performances in defence.
"Yes, it was the other calf," Arteta confirmed. "So he came back and he was completely fine, and in training he felt the other calf.
"This is an issue because he's a professional, who is giving absolutely everything to help us, and in the last few months he's not been fit."
