Saturday 30 January 2016 09:17, UK
Francis Coquelin has recovered from injury almost a month ahead of schedule and is fit to take part in Arsenal's fourth round FA Cup clash against Burnley, according to Arsene Wenger.
The midfielder suffered the knee injury in his side's Premier League defeat to West Brom in November and was initially expected to be out until at least mid-February.
However, Wenger said the Frenchman will be available for Saturday's visit of the Sky Bet Championship side, with Tomas Rosicky also in line to make his first appearance of the season.
"Francis is available to play now because he has passed two weeks of full training. Tomas is also available for selection," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.
Influential midfield duo Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla are still on the sidelines but striker Danny Welbeck, who has not featured for the Gunners since April 2015, is close to returning to action.
"Jack and Santi are progressing well but they are at least a few weeks away. But these two apart, it is just about competitiveness and match fitness," Wenger said.
"Danny Welbeck is not completely ready but he is not far. He needs a game or two because he's been out since last April. The Stoke [U21] game [on January 30] is too soon because he only had one session with the team, and that is too short."
Arsenal have surrendered their lead at the top of the Premier League and slipped to third place, three points behind leaders Leicester, after failing to win their last three matches but host Southampton in the league on Tuesday.
