Kieran Gibbs is almost ready to return to the Arsenal side as he makes his return to full training.

The defender has been out for over a month since injuring his thigh in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 30, and his imminent return will give Arsene Wenger a boost, reports the Daily Mail.

Return

He could return to the side in next week’s Champions League tie in a must-win game against Bayern Munich.

However, Wenger hopes that even if the Englishman doesn’t regain match fitness in time to face the Germans, he should be fit in time for the next Premier League fixture against Swansea City on March 16.

Gibbs is expected to fight for his place in the first team though, after deadline day signing, Nacho Monreal, has impressed his manager and legions of the Gunners’ fans.

The newspaper also suggests that the former Malaga full back was signed with the view to replacing Gibbs as the first choice left-back.

The injury boost may be the spur that Arsenal need after their quest for a top four place suffered a blow after defeat at bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, left them lingering five points behind their nearest rivals, Chelsea, and seven point behind the Lilywhites.