Team news: Arsenal boss confirms double fitness boost

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Arsenal can tighten their grip on fourth place with a win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta has been speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and the boss has provided reporters with the latest team news ahead of the game.

Let’s start with the good news and the Arsenal boss has confirmed Emile Smith Rowe is expected to be available for the game this weekend. Smith Rowe missed the win over Watford last week after testing positive for covid but the attacking midfielder is back in full training and should return to the squad on Sunday.

Arteta is also confident Alexandre Lacazette is available to face Leicester. The Frenchman picked up an ankle knock in training this week following a challenge from Thomas Partey, but it appears he’ll be fit for the game against the Foxes.

However, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a doubt for the match at the Emirates. The Japan international has been struggling with calf injuries over the past few weeks and Arteta says Tomi is still being assessed to see if he’ll be ready to return this weekend.

Arteta is quoted as saying:

“Tomiyasu we are still assessing him. Taking some time to get him in the best possible way. Emile looks like he is going to be available.”

On if Lacazette will be available, Arteta said:

“Yes I hope so”

It will be a big boost to have Smith Rowe available again as he gives Arsenal another major threat going forward. Tomiyasu’s absence would be a blow but Cedric Soares have performed well recently so is more than capable of deputising at right-back again.

Otherwise, Arsenal have no other injury concerns to deal with so Arteta should have a strong squad to choose form against Leicester City as we look to continue our excellent form.

Arsenal head into the game sitting one point clear in fourth place but have three games in hand over fifth-placed Man Utd so can cement our position with another win this weekend.

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