Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Takehiro Tomiyasu is available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, while Emile Smith Rowe is edging closer to a comeback from a groin injury.
Tomiyasu overcame a muscular problem in time to play a part in Japan's run to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, but he has not played a competitive or non-competitive game for Arsenal since.
The right-back was forced to miss the Gunners' winter friendlies after Japan's elimination, while he was also absent for Monday's 3-1 win over West Ham United with a fresh hamstring strain.
However, Tomiyasu was seen back in training with the Premier League leaders on Thursday as they gear up for a trip to the Amex on New Year's Eve, and Arteta has now confirmed his availability.
Speaking to reporters at Friday's pre-game press conference, Arteta said: "Everything is good apart from the players we already had out. He is getting closer and closer, he has been training with us and he is available."
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Meanwhile, Smith Rowe has only made four appearances this season due to a troubling groin injury, and he has been sidelined since undergoing surgery to correct the problem in September.
The 22-year-old travelled to Dubai with the squad in order to step up his recovery, and Arteta has now revealed that he has made further progress in recovery and should be back with the team soon.
However, Arteta did not confirm whether Smith Rowe would be able to play a part at the weekend, saying: "He has made some big steps in the last week or so, he has taken part in a few training sessions lately and it's looking good. We are really keen to have him back soon."
Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Reiss Nelson (thigh) could therefore be Arsenal's only two absentees for the trip to the Amex Stadium, where they will aim to either maintain or extend their five-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table.
Given the injuries to Jesus and Nelson, attention will soon turn to the January transfer window for Arteta and sporting director Edu, who is fighting tooth and nail to secure a mid-season deal for Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk.
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The Gunners are believed to have seen a bid of €65m (£57.6m) turned down by Shakhtar, who have publicly stated that they are looking for close to €100m (£88.6m) to sell the 21-year-old.
Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin recently confirmed that Arsenal are in talks with his side over a deal for Mudryk, telling club media: "Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal. We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so."
When asked about Mudryk on Friday, Arteta unsurprisingly gave very little away, saying with a wry smile: "I cannot talk about players that is not Arsenal."
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi managed Mudryk during his time at Shakhtar, and he claimed on Friday that the Ukraine international has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or, saying: "Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can't buy him.
"I like him because all my ex-players I like but I am Brighton's coach. I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk."
Arsenal travel to Brighton aiming to avoid a third successive defeat to the Seagulls, who have already beaten Arteta's men 3-1 in the EFL Cup third round this season.
Ben Knapton
