Mkhitaryan to return to training next week

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is close to returning to Arsenal training, according to a report from Four Four Two. 

The attacking midfielder sustained a fractured metatarsal before Christmas and has been absent from the Gunners side during a tricky run of form.

Arsenal’s medical team are hoping the Armenian will be able to train with the first team next week, but is still doubtful to feature in a competitive game until February.

This is likely to come as welcome news to fans, as Unai Emery’s side have looked like one perhaps struggling for creativity at times.

The 29-year-old has appeared in 14 Premier League games so far this season, scoring four goals and recording one assist.

Since arriving at Arsenal a year ago as part of the deal that saw Alexis Sanchez head the other way, Mkhitaryan has become a reliable member of the starting XI, either out on the wing or in an attacking midfield role.