Arsenal have been given a timely lift on the injury front, with Noni Madueke edging closer to a return to full training ahead of schedule.
While Madueke's encouraging steps forward are welcome news for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, there remains uncertainty around Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian limped from the field last weekend.
Arteta confirmed the winger is unlikely to feature against Brighton, adding to a growing injury list that already includes Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners will be eager to manage workloads carefully as they balance their Premier League title challenge with the demands of European football.
Noni Madueke
The Sporting News understands Madueke's will be reintegrated into full training within the next fortnight.
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During his time out, the 22-year-old has been working hard on his physical strength and fitness to ensure he returns sharper than before.
Despite the optimism, Arsenal are taking a cautious approach and will not rush his return.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli concern One potential setback for Arsenal is the condition of Gabriel Martinelli. Although he completed the match, the forward limped off and subsequent assessments point to muscle tightness or a minor strain.
If it proves to be simple tightness, he could return within a week. However, a strain would rule him out for at least a fortnight.
Speaking ahead of Brighton, Arteta admitted: "It looks as well that (Martinelli) is going to be out. We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury, but this game is going to be too early for him."
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz
Arteta provided an update on the long-term absentees Odegaard and Havertz last week.
"[The long-termers] are progressing really well. They are starting to do certain activities. They are super willing to be available as quick as possible. But at the moment, none of them are in contention in the next week or so..."
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian forward remains out with a serious knee injury suffered in January.
Jesus has been sharing his progress publicly, with staff confident he is on the right track despite the lengthy layoff.
Ben White
White has also struggled with fitness issues over the past year, undergoing a minor procedure last November.
Arteta explained the situation saying: "it was an injury that kept him out for a few weeks, and we had to manage his load. He's in a good place now; he's been training more recently."
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