Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey is edging closer to making his long-awaited comeback from injury.
The Ghana international was left out of the Gunners squad to face Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday, but could return against Crystal Palace in the Premier League this week.
Partey was sidelined with a thigh issue after a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on November 9, and made an unsuccessful comeback during a derby loss to Tottenham the following month.
Arsenal missed his services throughout the Christmas period due to injury.
"Yes, because we assessed the situation, how much training he's done, the boxes that he ticked and he was still a little bit short," Arteta said after their FA Cup tie against Newcastle United.
"Hopefully we will have him in the squad on Thursday. Let's see how he trains in the next couple of days. He's really good at the moment."
Partey has made only nine appearances in all competitions since joining the club last summer from Atletico Madrid.