Arsenal are set to welcome their centre-back Shkodran Mustafi for the clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Germany international, who has performed brilliantly since his £35million arrival from Valencia in the summer, limped off with a hamstring injury during the 3-1 victory over Stoke earlier this month and his absence was felt straight away as the Gunners suffered consecutive 2-1 defeats against Everton and Manchester City.
The North London outfit was unbeaten in the 12 league matches featuring Mustafi and it will surely be a big boost for them as they look to bring their title challenge back on track. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, on Thursday, said that the German defender is back in normal training and will be back in the squad to face the Eagles.
Wenger provided some further injury boost as he said Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck could return to action on New Year’s day. Oxlade-Chamberlain missed Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over West Brom on Boxing Day after sustaining a hamstring injury during the game against Manchester City while Welbeck can play his first game since appearing in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City last May.
Meanwhile, the Gunners will be without Kieran Gibbs and the in-form Theo Walcott for the upcoming clash.
As stated in the club’s official website, the French tactician provided updates on all of Arsenal’s injury concerns.
“Alex looks like he could join in normal training on Saturday,” Wenger said.
“From the last game, I think we lose Kieran Gibbs. It’s not big damage to his knee but he has inflammation and I don’t think he will be available. Danny Welbeck is doing well in training, so we have plenty of options. Theo Walcott will still be short.
“Shkodran is back in normal training and he will be back in the squad.”
On Gibbs’ injury, he said: “On Wednesday he had a scan, but it just showed inflammation. Hopefully it’s a short-term injury.”