Mikel Arteta has issued a worrying update on the injury status of striker Eddie Nketiah, revealing that the youngster remains ‘a few weeks away’ after picking up a foot injury.
The English striker picked up the mantle following Gabriel Jesus’ injury at the World Cup, scoring 4 times in 11 games to help ensure that the Gunners continued their title charge, with the Brazilian attacker returning with his side five points clear at the top, the same as when he left.
Though Jesus returned to action at Craven Cottage last weekend, however, it is bad news for Nketiah, who was thought to be nursing a foot injury through his final games leading the line for Arteta’s side and missed the wins over Bournemouth and Fulham with said injury.
And the Arsenal boss explained that, though he is improving, Nketiah’s return will still be some time away.
“Eddie is getting better. He is still in the boot, still a few weeks away. It was a nasty injury, it could have been worse. We have to be patient” he told the media ahead of the Europa League second leg against Sporting CP.
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli alternated in leading the line against Fulham in his absence, with Trossard grabbing three assists and the Brazilian scoring and seeing a second effort ruled out for offside.
Arsenal head into the tie knowing that they need to win to ensure that they head through, while a draw would take the tie to extra time and potentially penalties.
After that, they have a clash with Crystal Palace before the March international break.
