Emile Smith Rowe could return to the matchday squad on Saturday, but Arsenal’s other three absentees seem likely to miss the Aston Villa clash.

Arsenal gained one player and lost another before the Manchester City clash earlier this week, with Reiss Nelson returning to the squad after nearly two months out whilst Thomas Partey dropped out.

The Gunners are set for another comeback ahead of the match against Aston Villa on Saturday, with Mikel Arteta confirming that Smith Rowe will be in the squad if all goes well in training on Friday.

“Emile is training today and if he’s fine, he’ll be in the squad,” Arteta told the media.

Arteta also confirmed that Gabriel Jesus remains absent, and various reports have previously detailed that Mohamed Elneny is set to be out for the season.

As for Partey, Arteta said: “We have to assess him again today. He has some muscle discomfort and we have to see how he is.”

It looks likely that Jorginho will start his second game for the Gunners in the absence of the two defensive midfield alternatives, having had an impressive full debut against Manchester City despite the defeat.

On the subject of possible other changes to the team, Arteta answered a question on whether he might bring Leandro Trossard into the starting lineup.

“He’s had an impact every time he’s been on the field, so he’s an option,” Arteta said.

For the most part, you’d expect Arsenal to stick with their usual starting lineup for Saturday’s game.

Even though it comes shortly after Wednesday’s match against Manchester City, it’s followed by a week off before the next game.

After one game a week for the last month, most of the players should be able to handle one week with two games.