Arsenal almost have their full squad available for the visit of Vitoria on Thursday, with only Reiss Nelson remaining absent.

Photo via Instagram / ReissNelson
Photo via Instagram / ReissNelson

Arsenal have confirmed that Nelson is still recovering from his knee ligament injury, which is less serious than it sounds. The winger is aiming to return to full training in November, so it’s not a hugely long-term issue.

Alexandre Lacazette returned to the pitch on Monday, and the striker could be in contention for a start on Thursday as he rebuilds his match sharpness. Similarly, Emile Smith Rowe is back and available and just needs some minutes on the pitch.

Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney have all had to be patient in terms of Premier League chances so far, playing a combined zero minutes between them.

They all completed the full 90 minutes against Standard Liege though, so they’re on the verge of their comebacks. Holding and Tierney have been on the bench in the league for the last couple of games, whilst the club are being more cautious with Bellerin.

From the youth teams, Tyreece John-Jules is about to reach the end of his month out with a hamstring injury, but this game has probably come too soon for him. Folarin Balogun is fit and in form, so he could step up if called upon – though that seems unlikely in this case, with Lacazette in need of minutes.

Overall, the squad is in a good place fitness-wise, which it’s going to have to be with the busy schedule ahead.