Smith Rowe, Jesus, Partey - Arsenal injury news and return dates after Burnley ahead of Porto
Arsenal were unable to match their excellence against West Ham last week as they only managed to put five past relegation-bound Burnley on Saturday at Turf Moor. Poor attempts at humour aside, Mikel Arteta's men prepared for their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie away at Porto on Wednesday in perfect style.
An early goal from Martin Odegaard meant that what looked like a formality on paper played out just as many expected for the majority of a totally dominant win once again. Bukayo Saka added a second from the spot before firing in another past James Trafford in the second half.
Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard rounded off the scoring as Arteta was able to rotate his options after the break despite being without five key first-team players for the match. It's off to Portugal next for the Gunners, here's the latest on their injury issues.
Vieira is still recovering from injury after having surgery. He participated in Arsenal's winter camp in Dubai and he could be back to face his former team Porto in the Champions League next week. football.london understands that a return is close.
Injury: Groin.
What Arteta has said: «Very close [to returning]. He’s been training already for a few days with the team. He’s evolved probably faster than we expected and he’s in a good place.
»There is a chance yeah [he plays against Porto]."
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Expected return date: Porto (A) Wednesday, February 21.
The Japan international missed the game at West Ham despite returning from the Asian Cup last week. Arteta confirmed he sustained a slight problem, though it is not thought to be serious.
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