Arsenal handed surprise injury boost as international star back in training | OneFootball

Arsenal have received a significant lift ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, with Eberechi Eze returning to first‑team training at a crucial stage of the campaign.

The creative midfielder has missed Arsenal’s last three fixtures due to a calf injury, sitting out the narrow Champions League win over Sporting as well as the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City and FA Cup exit at Southampton.

His absence was also felt on the international stage after he withdrew from England duty as England failed to win against Japan and Uruguay in their final camp on home soil before the World Cup. But his presence back on the training pitch this week will be viewed as a major positive by Mikel Arteta and his staff.

Eze’s return could hardly be better timed. With Arsenal setting the pace at the summit of the Premier League, the run‑in places a premium on squad depth and match‑winners capable of unlocking tight games. Even if Eze is eased back gradually, his availability enhances Arsenal’s attacking options and raises competition across the front lines.

Not all the injury news is encouraging, however. Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber were all absent from the latest training session. 

Saka has now missed two matches, on top of the last couple of England fixtures,  while Timber remains sidelined after his mid‑March setback. Odegaard is also a concern after being forced off against Sporting earlier this week just two matches into his latest comeback.

Even so, Eze’s return provides a timely boost as Arsenal look to maintain momentum, navigate a demanding fixture list and turn their position at the top into silverware.