Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan should return to first-team action ahead of next week’s Europa League semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid.
The Armenia international sustained a medial ligament problem during the Europa League quarter-final first-leg against CSKA Moscow and there were initial fears that the attacker could miss the rest of the season.
Since then, the 29-year-old has made good progress from his injury setback, and Wenger has confirmed that the Armenian has returned to training ahead of his possible inclusion in the matchday squad next week.
He said: “Mkhitaryan is running again. He has to progress in the next three or four days to see how much intensity he can have in his training sessions. Possibly Thursday is the earliest I think.”
Aside from Mkhitaryan, Wenger issued a positive update on Aaron Ramsey, who is expected to feature in some capacity against West Ham United after recovering from a nasty cut to his calf.
Jack Wilshere is another player who has been struggling with a minor ankle problem of late and Wenger refused to confirm where the Englishman will make the matchday squad against the Hammers.
Obviously the Europa League would take more priority at this stage of the campaign, but Wenger has woed to play a strong team on Sunday in preparation for the semi-final first leg against Atleti.
Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League standings with 54 points, 14 behind fourth-placed Spurs, who have played an extra game more. As such, winning the Europa League remains key to securing a Champions League spot for next season.
