Mikel Arteta issues update on Arsenal loanee Mat Ryan

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Mikel Arteta has expressed his hope that Mat Ryan could be back in the fold for Arsenal in the next few days following Bernd Leno’s red card on Tuesday, in comments reported by Football London.

Ryan would have been forgiven for wondering if he would get a chance following his arrival on loan last month.

Leno is the undisputed number one at the Emirates right now. But the German is now set to drop out of the team.

The 28-year-old was sent off in bizarre circumstances against Wolves. He handled the ball outside his area as he looked to block a long ball over the top.

Alex Runarsson came on for the latter stages of the game. But of course, the Iceland international has not had the best time since arriving in North London.

He was on the bench at Molineux due to an injury to Ryan. As noted by the club’s official website, he is struggling with a hip problem.

And Arteta suggested that he hopes to have the Australian back soon.

“He had a muscular issue and in the last two days he hasn’t been able to train,” he said, as reported by Football London. “Hopefully we can get him back in the next few days.”

Ryan is facing a race against time. Arsenal take on Aston Villa on Saturday. And Leno is seemingly set to only serve a one-match suspension.

Arteta’s comments would hint that that game may come too soon for Ryan if he is not currently training.

And given the challenge he already faced trying to dislodge Leno, missing out at the weekend would be a huge blow for the January signing.