Henrikh Mkhitaryan has returned to Arsenal training ahead of the first-leg of their Europa League semifinal against Atletico Madrid.

The London Evening Standard says Mkhitaryan spent Saturday running on his own rather than joining Arsene Wenger's first team and is closing in on a return, though no specific timescale for his availability has yet been set.

Talking ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham, Wenger confirmed Thursday's first leg at the Emirates Stadium was the earliest the Armenian playmaker could be available.

Mkhitaryan will continue to be assessed as Arsenal prepare for their most important game of the season.

Aaron Ramsey also returned to training with Wenger planning on giving several key players a run out against West Ham to build match fitness ahead of Thursday.