Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Thomas Partey are “very close” to returning from injury, manager Mikel Arteta says.
Brazil’s Jesus has missed the Gunners’ last three matches with a knee problem, while Partey has been absent for almost five months with muscular issues, keeping the Ghana international out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Thomas has been out for many months now and we need to really nail the timing,” Arteta said.
“The same with Gabby, he’s done a few things. Let’s see. We have another session [on Friday].”
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Arteta’s side are five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand ahead of the visit of Newcastle on Saturday.
Their run of six wins in all competitions ended in tame fashion on Wednesday when they failed to produce a shot on target in a 1-0 Uefa Champions League round of 16 first leg defeat at Porto.
A trip to bottom side Sheffield United and home game against Brentford await before the return game against the Portuguese club on March 12.
Arsenal injury news: Timber ‘doing well’
Arteta said he also “really hopes” Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber could return before the end of the season.
The 22-year-old arrived from Ajax for £38 million in July, only to suffer a serious knee injury against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the campaign.
“He’s doing really well,” said Arteta. “He’s going to start doing some bits with us in the next week or so. We’ll see how that evolves.”
Arsenal lost at Newcastle in November but have not been beaten at home by the Magpies since 2010.
Eddie Howe’s side are eighth and unbeaten in five matches in all competitions since a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City on January 13.
