Arsenal defender Rob Holding is closing in on a return to first-team action.
The club have confirmed the defender, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last December, is “continuing with on-field rehabilitation and now participating in full training with the first team”. He is also hopeful of taking part in an Under-23 match against Everton on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been handed a significant boost after midfielder Mesut Ozil returned to full training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
The 30-year-old is yet to feature for the Gunners this season after he and team-mate Sead Kolasinac withdrew from matchday squads expressing fears for their safety following an attempted carjacking incident in north London.
Kolasinac made his return as a substitute in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Burnley but Ozil missed out having suffered with illness during the week.
However, the club revealed this morning that Ozil is back in full training and with head coach Unai Emery previously declaring the midfielder is “100 per cent” mentally fit to play, he is in contention for a place in the line-up at Anfield.
Granit Xhaka is also available after recovering from bruising to his lower back and leg while Emile Smith Rowe is stepping up his return from a groin problem and is set to participate in full training by the end of August.
