As Arsenal prepares for their first-leg encounter against Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta has received a double injury boost with the return of long-term absentees Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira to team training.
Both Partey and Vieira have been sidelined due to injuries, with Partey recovering from a thigh concern that required surgery, while Vieira has been recuperating from a groin operation.
Partey, in particular, has been out of action for over four months, missing significant fixtures for Arsenal and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite setbacks in their recovery journeys, both players have now resumed full training with their teammates, providing a timely boost for Arteta ahead of the crucial Champions League clash.
While Partey and Vieira’s return signifies positive news for Arsenal, the club remains cautious with other injured players. Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were notably absent from training, suggesting that they may not be fit for Wednesday’s fixture.
Arteta, expected to provide further updates on the team’s injury status, remains optimistic about his squad’s prospects. With the likes of Jakub Kiwior stepping up in the absence of key players, Arsenal aims to secure a positive result against Porto, a team they have historically struggled against.
Also Read: Porto vs Arsenal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Arsenal remains determined to make an impact in the Champions League, aiming to replicate their past successes in the competition.
As they gear up for a challenging encounter at the Estadio do Dragao, Arteta’s men are focused on navigating through the obstacles and securing a favourable outcome against Porto.