Lukas Podolski returns for Arsenal

Arsenal have been handed a big boost ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea with the news that Lukas Podolski is available.

The Germany international pulled up in the opening minute of the second half of Arsenal’s Champions League qualifying defeat of Fenerbahce in August and has not featured for the Gunners since.

Having finally recovered from the injury, he recently made his return to training and manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will have the player available.

Defender Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out, however, as a result of the laceration he sustained to his knee in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City last weekend.

“Koscielny is certainly out for the game,” Wenger confirmed. “[Jack] Wilshere is of course suspended. Podolski is available.”

Wenger is delighted to have Podolski back but he accepts it will take him some time before he is fully fit.

“It will take a little while for him to come back but he can score goals for us,” he said. “We have shown we can be very dangerous offensively. We have self-belief but let’s show it on Monday.

“Chelsea have a lot of talented players in every position. We need to find our defensive stability.

“Recent results have been disappointing but they have not affected the morale.”

Credit: Michelle/Setanta