Viktor Gyokeres remains a doubt for Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Chelsea this weekend.
The Sweden international hasn’t played since coming off at half-time in the victory over Burnley at the start of November, missing the last four games.
Sitting out of key fixtures against Tottenham and Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta explained this week the striker would undergo another scan to determine his availability for Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge.
With Kai Havertz also recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out since the opening weekend of the season, Mikel Merino has been tasked with leading Arsenal’s attack.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta said: ‘We have another day tomorrow so let’s see how everyone is.’
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Asked if Gyokeres and Havertz’s scan results have come back clear, Arteta added: ‘Not yet, but they are getting closer and closer.
‘We are very positive with both of them and let’s see.’
Will Kai Havertz return against Chelsea?
Havertz underwent what was described as ‘minor’ knee surgery after coming off the bench in Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United in August.
While he was thought to be nearing a return, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann claimed during the international break the forward had suffered a setback that would delay his comeback until the end of the year.
The former Chelsea star is another who will be assessed on Saturday before a final decision is made.
Leandro Trossard injury latest
Arsenal will remain without Gabriel Magalhaes for their trip across the capital with the Brazil international sidelined until late December at the earliest with a thigh injury.
But Arsenal’s injury woes have eased considerably over the last week with Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard all returning.
Madueke and Martinelli both came off the bench to score midweek against Bayern with Odegaard also making his first appearance since October that evening.
There was one fresh concern with Leandro Trossard forced off in the first-half against the German giants.
The knock is thought to be a minor one however with Arteta hopeful he can still have a role to play on Sunday.
‘There is another test today. We have to see how he’s feeling. It doesn’t look much. There is a potential chance [he could be available for Chelsea].’