Arsenal travel to Portugal to face FC Porto in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, brimming with confidence after a prolific run in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s men have been in scintillating form, having notched up 11 goals in their last two league matches against West Ham and Burnley. The “Gunners” will be hoping to replicate their domestic dominance on the continental stage and secure a valuable advantage in the tie.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Injury: Calf.
What Arteta has said: “The update is that some of them have been progressing better than others. We have a training session today [Friday]. Some of them have done a few bits this week. I’m positive that hopefully we’re gonna get a few back for tomorrow. At the moment, no [not ruled out].”
Expected return date: Porto (A) Wednesday, February 21.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Injury: Calf.
What Arteta has said: “The update is that some of them have been progressing better than others. We have a training session today [Friday]. Some of them have done a few bits this week. I’m positive that hopefully we’re gonna get a few back for tomorrow. At the moment, no [not ruled out].”
Expected return date: Porto (A) Wednesday, February 21.
Fabio Vieira
What Arteta has said: “Very close [to returning]. He’s been training already for a few days with the team. He’s evolved probably faster than we expected and he’s in a good place.
“There is a chance yeah [he plays against Porto].”
Expected return date: Porto (A) Wednesday, February 21.
Gabriel Jesus
What Arteta has said: “The update is that some of them have been progressing better than others. We have a training session today [Friday]. Some of them have done a few bits this week. I’m positive that hopefully we’re gonna get a few back for tomorrow. At the moment, no [not ruled out].”
Expected return date: Porto (A) Wednesday, February 21.
Thomas Partey
Injury: Thigh.
What Arteta has said: “Thomas Partey is progressing really well. It’s looking very good and he’s on the field already. Hopefully [a couple of weeks.]”
Expected return date: March.
Jurrien Timber
After being included in Arsenal’s Champions League squad list ahead of their last-16-tie with FC Porto this month, there is hope that he will return to action soon. He has been involved in ball training.
Injury: Knee.