Arsenal has received a boost ahead of their FA Cup final against Chelsea, with the news that Bernd Leno has returned to training, reports the Sun.
The German is the club’s first choice, and he has been out of action since he got injured in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in June.
It was first feared that he will be out for the rest of the year, but that has proven to be an outrageous estimate, with the German now back in training after just four weeks.
In his absence, the Gunners haven’t missed him that much because of the fine form of Emiliano Martinez, and he might struggle to get his shirt back now.
Martinez has been one of the most important players in the Arsenal team since he replaced Leno in goal.
In the few games that he has played for the Gunners, his stats have been better than Leno’s but it is still too soon to say if he is better than the club’s first choice.
Ahead of their FA Cup final game against the Blues, Leno should be fit, but he will lack match practice and Mikel Arteta is expected to stick with Martinez, whose fine performances have helped the Gunners reach the final of the competition.
While Mustafi has had surgery and is hoping to return to training in October!
@Sue and returning to training in October could mean he does not play until the end of October or beginning of November if we go by our luck.
Quite irritating since Mustafi have improved so much. We could have gotten him sold perhaps. But now, with one year left and injured, he will be another free transfer. We could give him a new contract but I hope not, although I have the utmost respect for Mustafis change.
I’m with you – regarding another contract. He’s worked hard and I take my hat off to him for the turnaround, but that’s where it ends!
Never a dull moment, hey?!
We played Martinez in all the group stages of the Europa league only for us to start Leno in the round of 32, and what did Leno did, he was trying that stupid pass from the back and boom, Olympiacos score. Now again Martinez played all the fa cup matches and if the coach like let him bench him and play Leno is the coach decision.
I go with Martinez and if I am selling one of the the next season, then it will be Leno.
Emi is home grown, taller, and shown great positioning, less error prone with his foot, probably overall, played in English Competitions for longer times and most probably earn less salary.