Arsenal Handed Double Injury Boost Ahead Of Stoke Clash + Wilshere Update

Arsenal have been handed a major double injury boost with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker expected to be passed fit to face Stoke plus Jack Wilshere is closing in on his return to action, according to the Telegraph.

Koscielny had been a slight doubt for this weekend after being forced to miss France’s 2-1 friendly win over Serbia on Monday night due to a back complaint.

The centre-back had also missed our 0-0 draw with Liverpool last month due to a back problem so it appeared Koscielny had aggravated the injury while away on international duty this week.

However, the Telegraph are reporting that the Frenchman is back in full training and is now expected to be passed fit to take on the Potters when we welcome them to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

In what will be be a double boost, the newspaper also suggests that Per Mertesacker is set to return to the fold after missing the last two games against Liverpool and Newcastle due to a virus.

It will be interesting to see if Arsene Wenger recalls the former German international back into the first team or sticks with Gabriel – who’s been impressive during the 30-year-old’s absence.

If Koscielny does play this weekend, there’s a chance Arsene may decide to then rest him for our midweek trip to Zagreb to ensure he’s 100% fit for the subsequent clash against Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.

The Telegraph also had a small update on the fitness of Jack Wilshere with the midfielder due to resume training next week following a month out with a fractured fibula.

Hopefully Wilshere doesn’t suffer any set-backs once he’s back in full training and he may have a chance of bring in the squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend.