Arsenal injury news: Massive boost for Wenger as trio return to training ahead of Basel clash

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Arsenal are entering an absolutely crucial period of the season and Arsene Wenger will be desperate to have as fully fit a squad as possible available.

Based on numbers at training on Monday, he could get his wish as Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud all took part in the session alongside their teammates, as reported by The Mirror.

Bellerin is arguably the biggest boost for the Gunners as the Spaniard has been absent since the north London derby last month after sustaining an ankle injury.

With Carl Jenkinson struggling to fill in and although Gabriel has done a commendable job in an unnatural position for him, the return of Arsenal’s first-choice right-back will be crucial.

Meanwhile, Giroud has been out for a week since suffering a slight hamstring strain in the win over Bournemouth while Mertesacker has yet feature at all this season after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season in July.

Although it’s highly unlikely that the German defender will take his place back in the side given the impressive nature of the partnership built between Laurent Koscielny and summer signing Skhodran Mustafi, his leadership, voice in the dressing room and experience off the bench will be significant advantages for Wenger.

Arsenal travel to Basel on Monday evening ahead of their Champions League clash, with the Gunners already confirmed for the last-16 stage of the competition.

While many will see this game as a dead rubber given that Paris Saint-Germain are all-but assured of top spot in Group A, Wenger will want to see his side pick up all three points and take full advantage of any slip-up that the French champions could suffer from against Ludogorets.

More Stories Arsene Wenger Hector Bellerin Olivier Giroud Per Mertesacker