Wenger delivers latest Arsenal injury update ahead of Stoke test

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Hector Bellerin will undergo a late fitness test ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Stoke City at The Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

The Spanish defender has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at The Emirates.

Bellerin has, however, been pictured in Arsenal training in recent weeks as he looks to regain his fitness as quickly as possible ahead of the hectic festive period in the Premier League.

And Wenger confirmed that Bellerin is progressing well ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Potters at The Emirates.

Wenger is quoted as saying by Arsenal’s website: “From Tuesday night we have no injuries, I hope. Everyone looks to have recovered well.

“Coming back into the squad, we have Coquelin who was of course suspended and maybe Bellerin who has a test today.”

The Arsenal boss also gave updates about the fitness levels of Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker. “They are recovering well but they are a few weeks away from joining in again,” he said.

Asked about Santi Cazorla’s ankle operation in Sweden earlier this week, Wenger added: “It’s a difficult way to say the surgery is ‘perfect’, but you can say it was needed and it went well. Afterwards we have to see how he recovers.”

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Arsenal know that victory over Stoke will lift them level on points with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.