Five Arsenal players returned from injury today in a friendly, as part of an Arsenal XI that defeated Brentford 4-0.
Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta all played 45 minutes, with Wilshere on the scoresheet, whilst Mathieu Flamini and Mathieu Debuchy played an hour.
Wilshere could be back in the squad for this weekend’s crucial top four clash with Liverpool, whilst Abou Diaby has three months to save his Arsenal career- having not played a full game since 2012.
Ahead of a busy schedule in the Premier League and FA Cup, the return of Debuchy will also provide a big boost to the Arsenal defence.
With Flamini and Arteta returning, it also gives Arsene Wenger a wealth of options in midfield- as they join Wilshere, Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey amongst those vying for a first-team spot.
The imminent returns of the five players leave just Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Serge Gnabry on the sidelines, giving Arsenal an almost fully fit first team.
The Gunners host Liverpool this weekend, before travelling to Burnley. They also face Reading in the FA Cup semi-final next month at Wembley.