Former Celtic star Kieran Tierney could be back playing for Arsenal in a matter of days after a promising update from manager Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard masterminded a 4-2 win over Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United at the Emirates on Sunday evening with his first-choice left-back missing through injury once again.
After the match he was asked about the fitness of Scotland star Tierney - who has been out since the middle of January - as well as the situation regarding Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Gunners face Benfica in the first leg of their mouthwatering Europa League last 32 tie on Thursday night and Arteta is hoping both of his stars will be fit to play.
But out of the two, it's Tierney who has been given the better chance by the gaffer.
He said: "It seems unlucky at the moment but if there is probably one player who has the bigger chance (to play) it's Kieran.
"Probably in the next few days he can start to do some parts with the team but I don't know how it's going to evolve until he gets a little bit closer to training with the group."
Arteta looked like being handed a fresh blow when striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went down against the Yorkshire side, having scored a hat-trick for Arsenal in the six-goal thriller.
But the boss isn't worried about his fitness as he added: "He was in pain and got a big kick, twisted his ankle but hopefully he will be fine."
