Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has given Arsene Wenger a much-needed fitness boost by revealing that he hopes to begin running again by the end of the week.
Wenger saw deputy Mathieu Debuchy limp off in Sunday's match with Bournemouth, but theExpressreports that Bellerin is hopeful of making a return ahead of schedule.
That's right - @HectorBellerin has signed a new @Arsenal contract https://t.co/5WBr6sTk4C
The Spanish starlet, who signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners last week, was quoted as saying, "'It's going better than expected because it's a pretty hard injury but, at the moment, it's recovering really well."
"I hope to be running by the end of this week, or the beginning of next week and then we'll just take it from there."
While Wenger will be reluctant to rush Bellerin back into action, for fear of aggravating the injury sustained in the North London derby against Tottenham earlier this month, he will no doubt be buoyed by the positive prognosis from the 21-year-old.
Karl Jenkinson took Bellerin's place against Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain, but his rustiness shone through as he struggled, which saw him replaced by Debuchy for the Bournemouth clash.
Arsene Wenger predicted Mathieu Debuchy's Arsenal injury but played him anyway https://t.co/eY1J0CvWyT pic.twitter.com/krcYCzvT5H
The poor displays of Jenkinson convinced the Arsenal boss to take a risk and select Debuchy against the Cherries, which backfired when the Frenchman, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Bordeaux, limped off in the opening stages of the 3-1 victory.
26-year-old Brazilian centre-back Gabriel was forced to fill in at right-back, which is an awkward fit, that could potentially undermine the Gunners as they seek to continue fighting on all fronts.
Wenger says Debuchy told him he believes his injury is serious. He wants to wait 48 hours to see.
Oh dear.
Much has been made of the fact that Wenger's side usually endure disastrous Novembers, but the Gunners have just about kept their forward momentum going this November.
Recentdraws against Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain have belied disappointing performances, and the return of Bellerin would be a welcome boost as the hectic Christmas period approaches.