Mikel Merino joined the Arsenal squad in Monday’s training ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Merino is yet to make his debut for the Gunners after getting injured by Gabriel Magalhaes in training.
Mikel Arteta revealed last week that Merino is progressing well and he could make his debut against Southampton on Saturday.
“We are trying to keep him in the cage, because he’s been pushing everyone – the physios, the doctors, everybody – and he’s ready to go, and he really wants it,” he said.
“I think we are comfortable now to start exposing him with contact, and he looked really good in training.”
Riccardo Calafiori was present for training following an injury scare against Leicester.
Calafiori appeared to injure his hamstring late on in the 4-2 win, sparking fears he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Italian trained on Monday, however, and he will now hope to keep his place for the game with PSG.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was also involved in training since suffering an injury in pre-season.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko remain out. Odegaard injured his ankle playing for Norway last month, while Zinchenko hurt his calf while away with Ukraine.
Ben White is expected to miss Arsenal’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain after he was absent from training.
The defender has missed Arsenal’s last two games, against Bolton and Leicester, due to a groin issue.
White now looks like he will miss the Gunners’ showdown with PSG at Emirates Stadium as well after he did not take part in training on Monday afternoon.
Got what it Takes?
Predict and Win Millions Now
COMMENTS