Arsenal handed huge injury boost as star returns ahead of FA Cup tie | OneFootball

Gunners get some good news before facing Wigan Athletic at the Emirates

Arsenal are set to welcome a long-term injury absentee back into the side before facing Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

The Gunners have the chance to book their place in the fifth round of the competition as they face the crisis-stricken Latics, who are facing relegation from League One and are currently without a first-team manager.

Back on the grass: Max Dowman was pictured in training on February 14

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Arteta claimed at the time that Dowman would spend a number of weeks out.

The injury came as a blow to the youngster’s progress. He had established himself as something of a regular in Arteta’s side this season, making five first-team appearances, including one in the Champions League, while also appearing sporadically for the Under-21s.

“We did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks,” said Arteta of Dowman in December.

He added: “It is part of the journey. At some point, when you play at this level, when you play in the position that he plays, when you play in the manner that he plays, it was going to happen.

Max Dowman battles with Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal training on Saturday

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“It happened. It is not ideal that he is out for weeks, it could have been worse, and learn from it.

“And now use this time as well to continue to improve in his education, in everything that is related to professional football, his habits, the way he needs to develop his physicality as well to be with us, the understanding of the game.”

Dowman has been productive in his time off, committing his future to Arsenal by agreeing scholarship terms in January.