Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to overcome a slight back issue to return to Unai Emery’s squad against Stade Rennais FC on Thursday, according to reports.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal with Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Mkhitaryan missed out on Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United at the weekend, with the club confirming before the game that he had a ‘slight back issue’. They didn’t officially state when the winger would return, but reports suggest it will be in time for Thursday’s match.

Armenian outlet MediaMax Sport write that the 30-year-old is set to participate in the Europa League second-leg match, and Football.London also report that Mkhitaryan is ‘in line to return against Rennes’.

That’s good news for Arsenal, as the former Manchester United man has been in good form since his return from injury. He has two goals and three assists in seven matches, but it’s more than just goal contributions. The winger’s performances all around have been much improved, and he just needs to keep them at a high level now.

Arsenal really need everyone to be at their best on Thursday, with a two-goal deficit to overturn after last week’s defeat. Another goal contribution or two from Mkhitaryan wouldn’t go amiss.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news
Latest Arsenal injury updates and news