Injured duo ready to hand Arsenal a major fitness boost

Arsenal are expected to welcome Francis Coquelin and Danny Welbeck back to first-team training this week – with the pair coming into contention for returns to action during the next two matches.

Coquelin has resumed full training after two months out with a knee injury and might be in the squad for the FA Cup tie with Burnley on Saturday – and that could make him available to face Southampton three days later.

The French midfielder has been a big miss for Arsenal but has returned quicker than expected, while Tomas Rosicky could also feature in the cup clash.

Long-term injury victim Welbeck is also on the way back and Arsenal are likely to set up a game for him if he comes through training this week.

Welbeck has not featured since the FA Cup final victory over Aston Villa in May following a long-term knee problem, but he could make a much-welcome return to the Gunners squad for the Premier League clash against Southampton on Tuesday evening.