Mikel Arteta has said William Saliba's recovery from a hamstring injury is “evolving”, but Arsenal's rock at the back remains out of action for Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb in the Emirates.
The Gunners will be all but assured of a top eight finish if they can beat the Croatian side at home, although they could still need a point in Girona next week depending on results elsewhere.
But French centre-back Saliba remains on the sidelines for the midweek match and is likely to threaten Wolves towards relegation in the weekend's Premier League encounter.
However, Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal's squad will be boosted by the return of Riccardo Calafiori and youngster Ethan Nwaneri from injuries.
Defender Calafiori could even start as a central defender if he is fit enough. Arteta believes he can be there for the long term, despite playing mainly as a left-back since his arrival last summer.
Asked to provide a fitness update during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Arteta said: “Calafiori and Nwaneri are back, very positive news. They will be available for the game.
“Saliba, he is evolving very well. He has felt much better in recent days, but this match comes a little too early for him.”
But Arteta also hinted that Saliba, who was uneasy late in last week's north London derby win at home to Tottenham, could return in time for the crucial Premier League match against Manchester City in 10 days' time.
Arsenal enter the seventh round of the Champions League stage in third place in the table, but will drop down the pecking order after Tuesday evening's matches.
“So far we have done very well,” Arteta added. “We are in a strong position and now it is time to capitalize at home. The work we have done in recent months, we need a strong performance against a very good team and we will try to do that.”
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