Arsenal vs Manchester United team news: Granit Xhaka in training

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Tom Doyle6 May 2017

Granit Xhaka has handed Arsene Wenger a potential fitness boost by training ahead of Arsenal's vital Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Switzerland midfielder suffered a kick on his ankle which forced him off in last weekend's defeat to local rivals Tottenham, and had not been expected to recover in time to face the Red Devils at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger had said on Friday that there was a "little chance" of Xhaka featuring at the weekend, but the midfielder was working with the ball in training on Saturday to raise hopes that the 24-year-old will be fit enough for at least a squad role.

Back-up goalkeeper David Ospina is fit following a back complaint and looked in high spirits during training.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Shkodran Mustafi is in training after a thigh injury, but Lucas Perez (thigh) faces another game on the sideline after a slight setback.

Jose Mourinho has repeatedly suggested he will rest key players against Arsenal as winning the Europa League will seal Champions League qualification for United even if they miss out on the top four.

But Wenger insists Arsenal must not take anything for granted against the Red Devils. saying on Thursday: "The only advantage we can give is to focus on ourselves, not a weaker Manchester United.

"We know anyway they have a massive squad with quality players and only a top performance will get us the win we want.

"Now even winning our games does not guarantee us to be in the Champions League, that is what we have to achieve."

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