Christian Benteke is still recovering from injury[GETTY]
Star man Benteke is closing in on a comeback after making a return to training following five months out with a ruptured Achilles.
The Belgium striker, who missed the World Cup with the injury, has been Villa's top scorer for the previous two campaigns.
Aston Villa v Arsenal Head-to-head
But second-placed Villa's attack of Andreas Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor have been delivering the goods with Villa having claimed 10 points from a possible 12.
"It's massive for himself, he has trained all week and had no adverse reaction," boss Paul Lambert, whose side face Arsenal on Saturday, said.
"He has got to work to try to get back in the side.
"Gabby and Andi are playing great, the front lads are on form, but this week Christian has done really well.
"I'm not sure (when he'll be back), it's his first week.
"He trained on Thursday morning and speaking to him after training he felt good."
Skipper Ron Vlaar is again doubtful after missing last weekend's win at Liverpool with a calf problem.
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