Arsenal have been handed an injury boost as Shkodran Mustafi was pictured in training ahead of their FA Cup fifth round meeting with Portsmouth on Monday (March 2).
football.london understand he will still be assessed ahead of the game and that Sead Kolasinac will be out until the international break
The German was forced off in extra time during Arsenal's shock defeat to Olympiacos and after the match Mikel Arteta admitted it could have been cramp.
"I don't know," head coach Mikel Arteta said when asked what injury caused Mustafi to make a premature departure in his post-match press conference .
"He said to me 'I cannot play anymore'.
"I don't know if it's a cramp or a muscle injury so I'm sure there will be a few of those because the players were exhausted, they played four times in seven days and it was physically a very demanding game."
Mustafi starred for the 102 minutes he was on the pitch against Olympiacos, winning five aerial duels, one tackle, making three interceptions, two clearances, blocking a shot and playing two key passes on the night.
This backed up a run of stellar performances from the defender since coming into the side under Arteta.
Although it took time to cement himself as a key member of the side under the Spaniard, Mustafi responded exceptionally to ensure he would be virtually undroppable going forward.
Following a costly mistake at Chelsea, he has started six games for Arsenal and been a standout performer in each - especially in the run which saw the Gunners keep three consecutive clean sheets.
His form has also resulted in a significant turnaround with how is being received by fans - his name is now being sung at pretty much every game.
"Yes of course (rebuilding the fan relationship makes things easier on the pitch)," Mustafi said on this after the first leg against Olympiacos .
"It is always important to have a good relationship with the fans but for me the main thing was to be professional, to always be there for my team-mates and for the club and then obviously when you play well they appreciate your performances but it makes it easier when you have the fans behind you, back supporting you so I am happy for that."
Having started every game since the winter break and suffered a slight injury scare, Arteta may use Portsmouth as a chance to give Mustafi a rest.
Pablo Mari and Rob Holding have both been playing for the Under-23s in recent weeks and the Spaniard has insisted both will be ready to play if called upon at Fratton Park.
Arsenal's next Premier League outing comes on March 7 when they host West Ham at Emirates Stadium.
