Arsene Wenger is set to welcome his long term absentees as they are all but set to return to action against Stoke City at Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman, in a press conference, revealed that Mesut Özil joined his teammates at the training ground after an absence of three months. He also heaped praise on Mesut Özil stating that he’s an exceptional footballer. Chances are little that he becomes an automatic selection since he’s not completely match fit as of now.

“He will have a training session on Friday with the squad. He will certainly be available for selection on Sunday. He is an exceptional football player, who gives you continuity in your game. He’s a very creative player and ideally you want all your best players available.”

Arsenal’s first team regulars were often seen in their injury list and the Arsenal manager admitted that the return of Mathieu Debuchy and the likes gives his side a new motivation.

“The advantage of these players - for example Giroud, Koscielny, Debuchy, Ozil - at the moment where most of the players in the league have played 26 or 27 games in their legs, they have four or five. If we can get them ready and fresh and competitive, it can give us a new impetus.”

He’ll be given selection boost as Mark Hughes’ side visit Emirates Stadium, as Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are available for selection. Mikel Arteta is still nursing his calf, while Danny Welbeck is set to spend yet another week on the sidelines thanks to his thigh strain. Besides, Serge Gnabry, Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere are still sidelined with their respective injuries.

He refused to comment on Wojciech Szczesny’s poor behavior and maintained that he still hadn’t decided whether to snub the Polish shot stopper in favour of David Ospina.

“I haven’t selected my first eleven yet. What happens in our dressing room stays in our dressing room – apart from the fact it doesn’t stay there.”