Arsenal have been handed a welcome boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Fulham, with summer signing Piero Hincapie returning to first-team training.

The Ecuadorian defender suffered an injury on his debut in the Champions League win over Athletic Club and has since missed five games. However, he was back in full training on Thursday, raising hopes that he could be included in the squad for the weekend.

Mikel Arteta is expected to give an official update during his pre-match press conference on Friday, but Hincapie’s presence in training is a positive sign for the league leaders.

Arsenal remain without captain Martin Odegaard, who sustained a knee injury against West Ham and continues his recovery. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke are also still sidelined with longer-term fitness issues.

There was no sign of Ben White during Thursday’s session, with the reason for his absence yet to be confirmed.

The Gunners head into the fixture at the top of the Premier League table, one point ahead of reigning champions Liverpool. However, Arteta’s side will be wary of a tricky test at Craven Cottage, having won just one of their last four meetings with Fulham.

A win would maintain pressure at the top of the table, with Liverpool set to face Manchester United at Anfield in a high-stakes clash the same weekend.

Arsenal’s travelling squad will be confirmed after Arteta’s final assessment on Friday.