Gabriel Martinelli has been left out of the squad for Arsenal Under-23s game against Leicester on Friday - suggesting he could be in line for a return to first-team action this weekend.
The 19-year-old Brazilian forward has spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee in June, but has recently been featuring for the youth team as he looks to rebuild his fitness.
Gunners fans are desperate to see the young star back in action, but it looked as though Saturday's clash against Everton may have come slightly too soon for Martinelli to be ready.
However, his absence from the U23s team suggests he may at least be named on the bench in what would come as a major boost to the side.
Martinelli hit the ground running last season after his move from Ituano, becoming the first Arsenal teenager since Nicolas Anelka to score ten goals in all competitions.
And there is no doubt that Mikel Arteta's side need some more options going forward, having found the net just three times in their last eight Premier League games.
Under-pressure Arteta certainly seems to be looking forward to having Martinelli available to call upon in the near future.
Speaking ahead of the match against the Toffees, he said: "Martinelli is very close to being available and fit to be part of us as well, which is great news. We will see what happens.
"Gabi is pure enthusiasm, energy, belief, charisma and goals. And this is him.
"He’s around the training ground and he’s around our training sessions and the energy is different because he goes 100 miles per hour.
"He’s got this passion and his way of playing and he is a threat. He’s a player that we’ve been missing because he brings something special to the team.
"He’s contagious with his attitude and I think it’s going to be a big boost when we have him."
