Arsenal could be set for a boost against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, with a couple of midfielders reportedly returning from injury.

The Evening Standard report that Declan Rice is confident he’ll be able to overcome the injury he sustained in Arsenal’s last game to return against Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Rice still needs to be assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff this week, but there’s confidence about a return in the Gunners upcoming fixture.

This update follows a similar report from Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who wrote that despite some muscle tightness for the former West Ham man, there is now growing confidence that he hasn’t suffered any damage.

Rice had been forced off earlier than planned in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, and Mikel Arteta confirmed afterwards that Rice’s hamstring was the problem. Fortunately, it seems the issue was nothing more than some discomfort.

Elsewhere, Thomas Partey is back in first team training, and the Evening Standard report that he’s nearing a return as well.

Arsenal won’t rush the player’s comeback, but he’s also in contention to make next Tuesday’s squad.

With Mohamed Elneny currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Fabio Vieira still injured, Arsenal won’t be quite up to their full complement in midfield, but they’re certainly getting closer now.