Arsene Wenger has made the decision to re-call Francis Coquelin from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic following an injury to Aaron Ramsey.
The injury to Ramsey was one of many that have depleted the Gunners midfield in recent weeks. Wenger has had to select his midfield without having the chance to choose the likes of Mesut Ozil, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and now Aaron Ramsey. Mathieu Flamini is also an injury concern, and with that in mind – Wenger has chosen to re-call Coquelin to help provide the squad with another defensive minded midfielder.
Coquelin had been impressing in the Championship for Charlton, but he is now needed to help give Wenger more options. Ainsley aitland-Niles had featured in a deep midfield position in the Champions League this week, but Wenger is clearly looking for a bit more experience when Arsenal host Newcastle on Saturday night.
It is extremely unlikely that Coquelin will start the game, but he does look set to make the bench.