Piero Hincapie took part in a full Arsenal training session ahead of the Premier League clash against Everton, raising hopes he could feature on Saturday.
Hincapie has not played for Arsenal since coming on as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Leeds earlier in the month, after suffering a freak injury in a post-match warm-down session. He was not involved against Nottingham Forest last weekend but did individual training before the Champions League trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Arteta's update on Hincapie
Mikel Arteta had initially suggested the 24-year-old would be sidelined for "weeks", but Hincapie is now pushing to be available for selection when Arsenal host Everton. He was spotted training on Friday morning.
"Piero, let's see," the Arsenal manager said. "If he is able to train the next few days he can be available for Everton, which is great news."
Training ground scenes
Hincapie looked in good spirits during the session and appeared to go through an initiation as he returned ahead of schedule. The defender ran through a tunnel of team-mates and coaching staff, receiving cheers and a few slaps on the head before training began.
Jurrien Timber was presented with a special framed shirt to mark his 100th appearance for the Gunners.
Injury concerns remain
There was no sign of Bukayo Saka, as Arsenal await details from a scan on the quad injury he sustained after just 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena earlier in the week. Christos Tzolis also remains a doubt, having not played since sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty with Greece.
