Arsenal star returns to training as Mikel Arteta given boost before Brighton

Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu has been spotted taking part in first team training ahead of the Gunners clash against Brighton. The Japanese defender missed out on the 3-1 win over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.

Tomiyasu took part in some individual running sessions as he targeted a return to the first team squad. The 24-year-old has been hampered by injuries throughout this season and last featured for Mikel Arteta's side in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the end of October.

The Japanese defender suffered yet another injury during his time away at the World Cup but he is now edging closer to a return before the new year. The Gunners will be hoping to maintain the gap to Manchester City with another strong result against Brighton on Saturday.

The latest training pictures ahead of the clash against the Seagulls were released on Arsenal's official website, with fans spotting the return of Tomiyasu. Arteta will be pleased to welcome back yet another key member of the squad with Gabriel Jesus still absent as he continues his recovery after sustaining a knee injury during the World Cup.

The Gunners are set to be active in the January transfer window, but only targeting a new attacker and central midfielder. Cedric Soares has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium after Ben White's impressive adaptation to right-back and Tomiyasu's versatility providing cover in each area of the defence.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is another to return from injury recently after being hampered earlier in the season meaning Arteta has plenty of options in defence to select from for the Brighton game. January is set to be another busy period of fixtures meaning the Gunners will need to hope they avoid injuries to key players considering they are already without their star striker until February.