Arsenal new boy could face Stoke but fellow defender an injury doubt

Friday, February 1, 2013
10:49 AM

New signing Nacho Monreal could go straight into the Arsenal side for the game against Stoke in the Premier League tomorrow.

Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (ankle) is a doubt, but midfielder Mikel Arteta may return after his calf injury.

Left-back Kieran Gibbs is set for around six weeks out with a thigh problem, while Francis Coquelin (hamstring) is also sidelined and forward Gervinho is away at the African Nations Cup.

Provisional squad: Szczesny, Monreal, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna, Podolski, Cazorla, Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud, Mannone, Koscielny, Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby, Jenkinson, Rosicky.