Arsenal Fitness Boost As Six Return For West Ham

Defenders Laurent Koscielny, Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all back in contention after struggling with injuries.

Emery admits he rushed Koscielny back after he pulled up in the warm-up before their FA Cup win over Blackpool last week.

But the Gunners boss says he is fit to start against the Hammers.

“He is training well and he is OK,” Emery said. “We pushed him and he was playing three matches during the week, but not ninety minutes each match.

“Little by little Koscielny is feeling better and he can play consistently in the next matches.

“Now, this week is perfect for everybody. We can use the players in the match on Saturday after a week of rest.”

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil has shaken off his own injury problem and is available for selection.

Whether Emery decides to go with the German, though, remains to be seen.

He has previously said Ozil lacks the physicality to compete in tough matches away from home and West Ham should provide tough opposition at their London Stadium home.

However, with Aaron Ramsey now all set for a move to Juventus when his contract expires at the end of the season, Emery needs to plan for the future so Ozil should get the nod over the Welshman.

Alexandre Lacazette is expected to lead the line with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing off the left-wing and Alex Iwobi on the opposite flank.

Arsenal are looking for an away win having failed to win any of their last four on the road in the Premier League.

And West Ham’s record at home is patchy at best.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have lost five in front of their own fans this term – one more than any from home.

Aubameyang could be key for the visitors as the Premier League’s joint top scorer has four in his last four London derbies.

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