Mikel Arteta provides ‘really positive’ injury update on key Arsenal star

The influential Ghana international has missed the last two matches with a minor muscle strain, but made his return to full training earlier this week.

January signing Jorginho has impressed in the absence of the 29-year-old, but Arteta will be hope Partey can come through Friday’s session unscathed and be fit enough to start against the improving Foxes.

Jesus, meanwhile, hasn’t featured since injury his knee at the World Cup but is closing in on a possible comeback next month to boost his side’s title challenge.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: ‘Thomas hasn’t trained much, but looks like he could be available. Let’s see how he trains today.’

On Jesus, meanwhile, he added ‘He’s doing more and more on the field. The knee is not reacting, so really positive. He’s really pushing the boundaries right now.’

After setback against the likes of Everton, Brentford and Manchester City, Arsenal’s title tilt looked to be on the rocks but events last weekend saw them re-establish themselves as league leaders.

City remain on their tails while Manchester United have roared into contention following a fine run of form but Arteta insists the race involves more than just three horses.

He said: ‘I think there are more [than two] teams involved and every day is going to be a race – a race to convince those players how to train better, to play better.

‘Against Leicester we are doing to have to be really good to beat them, especially with the way they have been playing the last few weeks.

‘We have to play really well to compete and try to win that game [at Leicester], which is going to be difficult. It is a challenge every week in this league.’

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