Arsenal fans received mostly positive injury news ahead of their upcoming match against Sheffield United.

Manager Mikel Arteta provided updates on several key players, offering a glimpse into the Gunners’ potential squad for Monday’s fixture.

• Thomas Partey‘s return strengthens Arsenal‘s midfield ahead of their Sheffield United clash.
• Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu‘s potential availability would offer Arteta additional defensive options.
• Gabriel Jesus‘s gradual return is a sensible approach considering his importance to the team.
• Jurrien Timber‘s comeback adds excitement but will be managed cautiously.

Partey set to feature

In positive news, Thomas Partey is expected to rejoin the Arsenal squad after missing recent matches.

Arteta confirmed the influential midfielder has completed multiple training sessions and is likely to be available against Sheffield United.

“Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday,” Mikel Arteta told reporters at his pre-Sheffield United press conference.

Zinchenko and Tomiyasu remain question marks

The availability of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu remains uncertain. Arteta indicated a final decision on the fullbacks will be made after the weekend’s training sessions, potentially offering them a chance to return on Monday.

“Those ones are possible but we have to wait and see, especially with the last two sessions that we have on Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “If that’s the case, they might be available on Monday.”

Tomiyasu’s injury explained

Arteta revealed Takehiro Tomiyasu‘s recent absence was due to an injury sustained while playing for Japan. He emphasised it was not a recurrence of a previous issue but required careful management to avoid a prolonged absence.

“He had an injury; in the last game that he played with Japan he felt something and he was out,” Arteta explained. “We expect him to recover a little bit shorter but he was struggling at the beginning of the recovery and we decided to extend that period to be more certain because he is a player we really need. We are short and we cannot risk him being out for months.”

Jesus update: Cautious optimism

Arteta reassured fans that Gabriel Jesus is “fit enough,” but the focus lies on managing his return carefully. The Gunners want to avoid any setbacks with their star striker, opting for a gradual reintegration to build match fitness. As we reported earlier this week, Arsenal will be managing Jesus’ injury for the rest of the season.

The manager clarified that Jesus’s earlier knee procedure “was resolved” and that further surgery is unlikely. The Brazilian’s recent injury issues stem from different areas, not a recurrence of the previous problem.

“No that didn’t happen – it was the result of what happened when he got a knock in another area and that caused a different kind of injury,” Arteta said. “It wasn’t related to the first one and then he had a little niggle, it was a muscle issue and I kept him out for 10 days.”

Timber’s recovery surprises

Jurrien Timber‘s presence in training brought a boost of optimism. Arteta praised the young Dutch defender’s “determination” and positive recovery progress. However, the club remains cautious as they manage the final stages of his rehabilitation from a complex injury. Timber’s return would offer Arteta greater tactical versatility and attacking options at the back.

“It’s been a joy and all the physios and the medical staff are really happy with his attitude, and his commitment, especially with the way things have gone,” Arteta said. “It’s not a coincidence the way he applies [himself], how determined he is, his willingness to put every effort in everything that he’s demanded to do and he’s in a really good place. Now we have to manage [him] because it’s the last stage of that difficult injury that is complicated, but I think he’s on the right way.”

Arsenal‘s squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks. Successful integration of returning players could provide the Gunners with a necessary edge in their close title race.