Arsenal handed major injury boost ahead of Man City as Martin Keown makes ‘confidence’ claim

Arsenal are now preparing for a Champions League clash with Lens as they look to build on a big Premier League win over the weekend.

The Gunners defeated Bournemouth with ease over the weekend to set up an intriguing early title clash with Manchester City this weekend, but before then Mikel Arteta’s men must take care of business in Europe. Arsenal defeated PSV in their Champions League opener and they make the trip to France to take on Lens on Tuesday night.

As they prepare for that one, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Keown on Havertz

Martin Keown believes Kai Havertz will get a confidence boost from his penalty over the weekend.

“You could say it was only from the penalty spot but nonetheless, that put a bit of pressure on him,” said Keown to TNT Sports.

“I think that basically, the manager wants more from him. He looked like he'd lost his place. [Fabio] Vieira came in and got injured, so he's got back in. But obviously Arteta is somebody that is very patient and believes a lot in the player. But it's up to the player to take that opportunity. I don't know if he was bought as a centre-forward or as a midfield player, he's getting games, but such is the clamour for a first-team place that you've got to perform every week.

“I like the fact that the manager is sticking with him, though your position has to be on the line. He's still in those sort of formative days in an Arsenal shirt, but I'd like to see a little bit more. Maybe this goal now will give him that confidence in front of goal, because I think that's one area where he hasn't looked confident. He was certainly confident to take the penalty, and there would have been a lot of pressure on it. So that will help him when he finds himself in similar situations in front of goal.”

Partey boost

Thomas Partey is said to be back in training following a recent groin injury.

Partey is now back training with his teammates ahead of the clash with Lens. It seems it is unlikely he will be risked during the week, especially with the Manchester City clash this weekend.

Though, ahead of that City clash, it will be a major boost for the Gunners, who have struggled for depth at full-back and midfield of late.