Arsenal team news v Stoke: MASSIVE injury boost as three players return to action

Arsenal will be keen to put their dismal performance against Southampton behind them when they take on Stoke this weekend, but that seems to be easier said than done for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Revelations over goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s behaviour has been the biggest talking point this week and once again dominated Wenger’s pre-match press conference.

The Frenchman confirmed that the goalkeeper had apologised for his misdemeanour, but refused to shed any light on whether Szczesny will retain his spot in the Gunners’ starting XI.

“I haven't selected the first XI yet. I take everything into account,” Wenger said.

One player that is certainly in contention for a start though is Mesut Ozil. The Arsenal playmaker has been absent with a knee injury, but Wenger confirmed that the German will be available for selection, and will definitely make the squad.

He could be joined by Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini, both of whom are back in full training having overcoming respective hamstring and groin problems.

Wenger will be short of options in attack though. Olivier Giroud returns having served his red card suspension, although Danny Welbeck has not sufficiently recovered from a thigh injury.

Arsenal v Stoke is live and exclusive on talkSPORT, Sunday, from 1pm. Click here to stream.