Thomas Partey is making good progress in his recovery from his thigh injury and his return is fast approaching as he has recently stepped up his training.

The 30-year-old could be with the squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest on 30 January. The Ghana midfielder has only played five times for Arsenal due to injury problems this season and has also missed the AFCON.

Partey was a revelation last season for Arteta's side where besides playing as a midfielder, the Spanish coach used the Ghanaian player as a right-back, so his recovery could be a boost for an Arsenal side going through a difficult period as they have gone four games without a win between the Premier League and FA Cup.