Photo: Big boost for Arsenal as Mohamed Elneny returns to training

Arsenal have been handed a much-needed injury boost with midfielder Mohamed Elneny back in training following a long-term hamstring injury.

The Egypt international sustained his setback against Fulham in August this year and manager Mikel Arteta initially said that the concern was serious.

It was anticipated that Elneny may not feature until the World Cup break but much to the surprise of many fans, the midfielder was involved in today’s team training.

Arsenal have released a number of training pictures today where Elneny was spotted with his teammates.

Elneny’s return is good news for the Gunners, considering the limited options in the centre of the park.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have been superb as the midfield pairing this campaign but over the past eight weeks, Albert Sambi Lokonga has been the only specialist back-up option.

Lokonga’s form has been rather unconvincing and we won’t be surprised if Elneny is called up from the bench if required on Sunday. The Gunners need to return to winning ways tomorrow.

They have dropped to second in the Premier League standings after Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Leicester City. However, they can move two points clear at the top if they beat Nottingham Forest.

It is easier said than done, particularly with Steve Cooper’s side coming off a stunning win over Liverpool. Arsenal must capitalise on their scoring chances after squandering plenty at Southampton.

Hopefully, there will be a lot of goals tomorrow. The Gunners have netted just four in the past five outings and were completely outplayed by PSV Eindhoven (2-0 loss) in the Europa League in midweek.