Arsenal handed double boost as Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira train ahead of Champions League return | OneFootball

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Arsenal have been given a boost ahead of their Champions League trip to Porto after Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey returned to training.

Partey has been out of action since October after injuring his thigh, while Vieira has been absent since November after undergoing groin surgery.

Both players took part in training on Tuesday morning, though, with Arsenal due to face Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

The Gunners have not made it past this stage of the Champions League since 2010, when they coincidentally beat Porto.

Partey and Vieira’s returns are good news for Mikel Arteta, although he will have to contend without Gabriel Jesus (knee), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf).

Arsenal are looking to make the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010

PA

The trio were not at training on Tuesday morning and it leaves Arsenal particularly light on options in defence.

Jakub Kiwior, who has started the last two games, is likely to keep his place at left-back.

Jesus’ absence means that Leandro Trossard could lead the line again, although Kai Havertz is an option too.

Arsenal head into their clash at Porto in fine form after winning their last five games in a row, scoring 21 goals in the process.

Teenager Ethan Nwaneri also took part in training on Tuesday morning. The 16-year-old, who came off the bench against West Ham earlier this month, missed Saturday's trip to Burnley after picking up a knock last week.