Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given fans hope that Matthew Ryan could return in the next few days through his comments to Football London.
Ryan joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in the January transfer window, but he hasn’t been able to make a match day squad yet, as he suffered a muscle issue straight away.
Ryan was not in Arsenal’s 18 for their game against Wolves last night, but his importance to the side has immediately increased now.
Bernd Leno was sent off yesterday, which means that he will now be out for Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa at the weekend with suspension.
There were fears that could mean that Arteta has to pick Alex Runarsson, who has looked less than convincing in his displays so far.
But Arteta has hinted that Ryan’s return actually might not be too far off.
“He had a muscular issue and in the last two days he hasn’t been able to train. Hopefully we can get him back in the next few days,” Arteta said.
In fairness to Runarsson he actually performed fairly well when he was drafted into Arsenal’s side from the bench last night.
However, Arteta will surely feel nervous about picking the Icelandic international from the start at the weekend, given his previous showings.
And if Ryan does make it off the treatment table then his debut for the Gunners could come much sooner than anyone expected.
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