Arsenal could be boosted by the return of two key players as they prepare to face Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The Gunners sit third in the Champions League table on 13 points from their opening six fixtures and have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the last 16.
The top eight from the 36-team league phase gain automatic qualification into the knockout phase and the Gunners are part of that elusive group right now. A win against Ukrainian side Shakhtar could guarantee a place in the last 16 should results go their way across matchday seven this midweek.
And Arteta, who has seen his Arsenal squad shredded in recent times due to injuries, has been handed a welcome boost ahead of his side’s clash with Shakhtar. Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori were both spotted in training in Tuesday as both players bid to return to action in the near future.
Nwaneri has been out since picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday, January 4, missing the last four matches across all competitions. As for Calafiori, he been out for the last couple of weeks with a muscle problem, having not featured against Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa.
While it’s unknown whether Nwaneri and Calafiori are going to be fit to face Shakhtar, the fact they are both back in training is no doubt a huge boost for the Gunners.
They have some important fixtures coming up, none more so than the next couple in the Premier League, including the clash with Manchester City on Sunday, February 2.
