Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could welcome back four players after the winter break in time for the visit of Newcastle on February 16. Arsenal currently have six first-teamers in the treatment room ahead of the squad’s training camp in the United Arab Emirates.
Arteta’s men congregated in Dubai on Thursday after the players were given a few days off to kick off their two-week break.
The week-long camp will prepare the stars for a busy end to the season as the Gunners challenge for the FA Cup and Europa League.
Arteta will be hoping to have a fully-fit roster at his disposal but is currently without the injured Kieran Tierney, Sead Kolasinac, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers.
So, how many of those five stars could be back in contention following the winter break?
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Sead Kolasinac
Kolasinac is still recovering from a thigh injury that he sustained last month.
The Bosnian has returned to training during the winter break, though, and should be nearing full fitness in a few weeks.
Given the lack of options in the left-back role, Arteta could be forced to take a risk with Kolasinac and field him against Newcastle.
The 26-year-old’s injuries have proved a burden this season with an ankle problem also stopping him from nailing down a starting spot.
Bukayo Saka
Saka, who has impressed as a makeshift left-back in the last couple of months, caused another setback for Arteta with his knee injury.
The academy graduate took a knock to his patella and in his hip during the Burnley draw and was taken off at half-time.
He, too, has returned to training this week though and has looked bright in the Middle East.
Arteta will not likely play both Saka and Kolasinac against Newcastle, instead selecting the fittest to play at left-back.
Cedric Soares
Soares signed a six-month loan deal at Arsenal at the end of the January transfer window already carrying a knock.
The knee ligament damage he sustained while at Southampton is expected to be sorted soon after the winter break.
Soares posted on social media on Saturday: “Using the sunny energy in Dubai to recover strong. I can’t wait to be back on the pitch and help the squad achieve our goals. Let’s go Gunners!”
The post was accompanied with a picture of him on gym bikes and the Portuguese could well be fit in time for next Sunday.
Calum Chambers
Chambers is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, the club have already confirmed.
The defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee and is targeting a return at the start of next season.