Mohamed Elneny has returned to the training pitches with Arsenal, as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny picked up a serious knee injury in January, requiring a surgery that effectively ended his season early.

Elneny’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season, but Arsenal renewed his deal to 2024 on reduced wages while he focused on getting fit.

The 30-year-old is making good progress on that front, with Arsenal confirming his return to the training pitches this week.

The club report that Elneny is still likely to be out for the final few weeks of the current campaign, but it seems he’s on track to be fit and ready for pre-season in the summer.

Writing about his comeback on Twitter, Elneny said: “Feeling amazing to be outside on the pitches! Can’t wait to join the team for training again soon.”

Fabrizio Romano reported in April that Elneny had received approaches from Italy, Spain, and Turkey as his initial contract with Arsenal ran down. But his priority was always to stay in north London.

Speaking at the time, Elneny said: “The first ever interview I gave when I signed, they asked me about what I saw in the future – I said I wanted to be an Arsenal legend.

“I still want to be that, I want to stay here as long as I can because of how much I love this club. I don’t think I would be able to go and play for a different team anymore.

“That is why every day I come here to give everything, to make sure I can stay here as long as I can.”