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Team news: Arsenal confirm triple injury boost but key man ruled out of Dundalk game

By on October 28, 2020

Arsenal have received positive news on Willian, Rob Holding and Gabriel Martinelli but David Luiz has been ruled out of Thursday’s clash with Dundalk.

Willian has missed our last two matches due to a calf issue but the club have confirmed on Arsenal.com today that the Brazilian attacker is back in full training and is available for selection for our Europa League group stage tie tomorrow.

Martinelli has been out since suffering a serious knee ligament injury in training back in June and the recent team news updates have said he wasn’t due to resume full training until later in the year.

However, Arsenal released pictures today [seen below] confirming that Martinelli took part in contact training with the rest of the first team squad this afternoon so it looks like he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery, which is a huge boost.

There is also good news on Holding as the centre-back is on the verge of returning to action. Holding was initially ruled out for at least three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury before the Man City game but Arsenal now expect him back in training within the next week.

Holding’s return will be well-timed as Arsenal have mounting problems at centre-back. The club confirmed today that Luiz has been ruled out of the Dundalk game and is a doubt to face Man Utd after suffering a muscle issue at the weekend.

Calum Chambers is back in training but needs to build up his fitness while Pablo Mari is also still working his way back from a serious ankle injury. With Sokratis out of favour and William Saliba not considered ready for first team action, Arsenal have limited options at the back.

The update on Arsenal.com confirmed:

Rob Holding
Right hamstring. Sustained hamstring strain during the warm-up at Manchester City on October 17. Rob has progressed well and is aiming to be back in full training within the next week.

David Luiz
Left thigh. Sustained slight thigh issue during Sunday’s match. Will miss Thursday’s match and is being assessed ahead of our match at Manchester United.

Willian
Right calf. Slight calf issue. Back in full training and available for selection.

It looks like we’ll be low on centre-back options against Dundalk and Manchester United but we could see Holding, Luiz and perhaps even Chambers back in contention to face Molde next Thursday night.