Mikel Arteta provides triple Arsenal injury boost amid huge David Raya update for Leicester

Arsenal will be emboldened by a number of returning players for the game against Leicester City this weekend. Mikel Merino too is getting closer to making his Arsenal debut.

Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Leicester in the Premier League on Friday, with Arsenal in need of a confidence boost following their controversial stalemate with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.

Leandro Trossard will return from suspension following the red card he received in the same game that meant he missed the midweek League Cup win over Bolton. Arteta still has several players out injured and was asked for an update ahead of the weekend.

It seemed at first as though there would not be too much in the way of clarification. When asked about David Raya, Arteta remained coy on his chances of making the team.

“We have to wait another 24 hours," he explained. “We have to wait 24 hours to see if he’s looking good or not that good.”

When asked about resting Raya so he has a better chance of playing against PSG in the Champions League next Tuesday, Arteta said: “It’s not risk, it’s about a player being fit and available. When we have that clarity for Leicester we will make that decision tomorrow.”

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Yet there was good news regarding two more players. On Jurrien Timber Arteta said: “Jurrien was able to take part in training today, so he will be available in the squad.” He added: “Ben [White] will be available too.”

The most interesting information came regarding Merino who has missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury. Arteta however confirmed that while he will miss this weekend, he might be able to get some game time next week if things go well.

“Tomorrow is too soon, next week we will see, he had partial training today," the Spaniard confirmed. "He has been working so hard, it is about the healing of bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact.”

Arsenal take on Leicester at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday at 3pm UK time. The football.london matchday blog will launch four hours before kick-off where you can stay up to date with everything from north London.