Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was seen at the Gunners’ training ground yesterday in a huge boost for Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard is now no longer wearing a protective boot or on crutches, according to The London Standard.
Merino last played for the Emirates Stadium club in January and has undergone surgery on a foot injury he sustained against Manchester United.
The Arsenal star broke a bone in his right foot and many had ruled him out of action for the remainder of the season.
However, the North London club had always hoped Merino would return to full training before the end of the campaign, and it appears he is closing in on a return to grass.
He has not started training but seeing him without the protective boot or crutches he had worn in recent weeks is a huge boost for the Gunners and Spain.
It remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old will play for Arsenal again this season, but Arteta could do with him following recent struggles.
They have played 19 games since his injury, but a run of one win in their last five games across all competitions is a huge concern for the North Londoners.
Merino has six goals and three assists in 33 games for Arsenal this term, featuring as a number 9 at times, and they could do with his versatility and quality heading into the most crucial parts of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
The Gunners take on Manchester City at Etihad Stadium tomorrow and are desperate to return to winning ways after seeing their lead at the top of the table reduced to six points.
They host Newcastle United afterwards, followed by a trip to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
The results of those three games could determine their whole season, and Arteta will hope his men can step up in the absence of Merino and other injured stars.