David Luiz has returned to training ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Villarreal on Thursday, hoping to prove his fitness ahead of the first leg.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal have been handed a boost by David Luiz’s return to training this week. The centre-back is back involved after his injury in March required minor surgery to repair.

It doesn’t seem like there are any guarantees Luiz will be ready to start, but the report suggests he’s “looking to prove his fitness ahead of the game in Spain”.

The most encouraging thing is that Luiz’s potential involvement in the first leg suggests he’ll very likely be ready for the second leg. That’s the game Arsenal really need their best defence available to avoid conceding any away goals.

As for Luiz’s contract situation, with his deal expiring this summer, Standard Sport report that talks have yet to take place, but both Arsenal and the player himself are open to changing that this summer.

It seems they aren’t going to make any decisions until the current campaign is over.

Luiz has played in five wins, one draw and one defeat in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign so far. He’s been a regular starter under Mikel Arteta in the big games, and would surely return to the starting lineup as soon as he’s ready.