Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in with a "chance" of making his comeback for Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The right-back missed the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool owing to his latest calf problem and has been left out of the Japan squad for March's World Cup qualifiers, but Mikel Arteta did not rule him out of contention in his pre-match press conference.

Arteta does not have any fresh concerns to contend with from Wednesday's loss, but the Spaniard will surely consider some alterations with less than 72 hours to recover.

Cedric Soares will deputise for Tomiyasu at right-back once more, while Kieran Tierney could bomb up and down the left-hand side once again despite the option of Nuno Tavares.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey held their own in midfield against Liverpool and could form the base of the engine room once more, with Albert Sambi Lokonga's game time restricted in recent weeks.

One change can be expected in the final third, though, with Emile Smith Rowe ready to return to the left-hand side over Gabriel Martinelli, who put in quite the shift against the Reds.

Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka did not last the full 90 on Wednesday so should be fine to go again here, as Alexandre Lacazette prepares to lead the line again.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette