Arsenal have received a slight boost in regards to injuries as they head into their second Premier League match of the season against West Ham.
Following his omission from the squad on the opening day at Fulham, David Luiz is back in full training, making good progress after suffering a neck spasm in the build-up to the new season.
"Neck spasm. Making good progress. Back in full training." a statement on the official club website read.
Luiz was an integral part of Mikel Arteta's side last season and despite making the odd mistake, was rewarded with a one-year extension of his contract, keeping at the club until the summer of 2021.
Missing out on the 3-0 win at Craven Cottage, Luiz's place in the heart of the defence was taken by fellow Brazilian, Gabriel Magalhaes. The 22-year-old played as the middle man in a back three, flanked by Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney, scoring to cap off an impressive debut.
"Ideally I wanted to give him some time because he only trained for a few days with the team," Arteta said on Gabriel after the game.
"Physically, he hasn't played a competitive match in six months so it was a risk with injury as well but credit to him. He performed really well, physically he felt good and I was very happy today.
In other injury news, it was revealed last week that Pablo Mari is making good progress with his recovery after sustaining at ankle injury away at Manchester City in June.
The Spaniard is expected to return to full training at the end of September. This will serve as a massive boost to Arteta who - with Luiz back - has just three natural centre-backs to call upon.
Sokratis is expected to return to full training next week after a right calf strain kept him out of contention for the opening day victory over Fulham.
Further forward, it is expected that Emile Smith Rowe will return from his shoulder injury in the next two weeks as he is currently wearing a protective sling.
