Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has sent a promising update ahead of tonight's Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.
Smith Rowe has missed each of the Gunners' last two Premier League games but did feature in the Europa League quarter-finals first leg with Slavia last Thursday.
The creative midfielder has struggled with injury heading into this one, leaving Mikel Arteta on pins ahead of the crucial second leg this evening.
Arsenal are now almost certain to miss out on Champions League qualification through the Premier League, but they can bag themselves a Champions League spot by winning this year's competition.
But with the scoreline currently 1-1 and Slavia leading on away goals, the Gunners have their work cut out, particularly if they are to be missing Smith Rowe, as well as the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, who both face a battle to return from injury in time.
In Smith Rowe's case, Arteta said: "Emile and Martin we don’t know yet" when asked about whether he would return in time to face Slavia.
But there is some very good news with Smith Rowe taking part in training on Wednesday and posting a picture of himself putting the miles in at London Colney on Twitter.
He posted the image with a football and a fire emoji, and that will be taken as a declaration of fitness from Arsenal fans who are desperate to see him in action tonight.
Smith Rowe has been pivotal to the Gunners' season so far, making 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring five and assisting six to date.
His return will be vital for Arsenal as they look to book their place in the semi-final this evening, though Arteta will also be desperate to get Odegaard and Saka back with the Gunners needing to score at least one to progress.
