Arsenal boost as club confirm four injured players could return in fortnight

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Arsenal have delivered some very positive injury news on their official website after confirming that four players could return to full fitness in a fortnight’s time – but Pablo Mari’s ankle injury is still being assessed.

The Gunners were forced to rip up any pre-match plans after January recruit Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka were both forced off inside the first 25 minutes through injury. Mari was replaced by David Luiz, and Manchester City won 3-0.

Luiz was also sent off, meaning Arsenal will be without seven first-team stars for the trip to Brighton on Saturday. Luiz joins Xhaka, Mari, Calum Chambers, Lucas Torreira, Cedric Soares and Sokratis in missing the clash.

However, there is some good news for Arsenal fans. Although Chambers is out for the season, and Mari is still being monitored, four injured players could return within two weeks.

The report states that Cedric (facial injury), Sokratis (thigh strain) and Xhaka (sprained ankle) are all looking to return to training in the next two weeks. Torreira is given a timescale of two to three weeks, as he recovers from a fractured ankle.

TBR’s view – Return of Xhaka and Torreira absolutely crucial

The Gunners are seriously lacking in the middle of the park. The injury to Xhaka against Manchester City was a blow, with Arteta only boasting Dani Ceballos, Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock to pick from. The latter is also preferred as a 10.

Getting Xhaka or Torreira back as soon as possible must be a priority for Arteta and his physios. It also highlights the need for strengthening this summer in the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey strongly linked.