By support

14th Apr, 2017 | 10:22am

Arsenal handed huge fitness boost ahead of Middlesbrough clash

By Matt Bullin

Arsenal have announced today that Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny are in contention to face Middlesbrough on Monday night.

Cech, 34, has missed the Gunners last three Premier League matches due to injury, leaving Emiliano Martinez to deputise.

Koscielny has missed the last two Premier League ties, after limping off at half time during the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Today, Arsenal announced via their official Twitter account that the Czech goalkeeper ‘could’ return to the squad, while the French centre back had returned to training today.

Koscielny, Arsenal’s club captain, has been a mainstay in the heart of defence for Arsene Wenger’s side and has made 36 appearances in all competitions.

Cech has played every minute of every Premier League match this season prior to being substituted due to injury versus West Brom.

Arsenal clearly missed their senior duo last time out, as they crashed to a disappointing 3-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Andros Townsend, Yohann Cabaye and Luka Milivojevic all scored as Palace climbed clear of the drop zone, while the Gunners stayed in sixth.

Arsenal are now three points behind Manchester United in fifth, and level on point with Everton, who sit behind them in seventh.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that both Cech and Koscielny are fit to return to action against Middlesbrough on Monday night.

In other Arsenal team news, Arsenal have made contact with Juventus about signing this Juventus key man.

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