Mathieu Debuchy finally returned to full training this week after missing the last three months with a dislocated shoulder.

To say he’s been unlucky since signing for Arsenal in the summer is something of an understatement.

Two serious injuries in his first season, the second of which being completely unavoidable had Stoke not employed their usual thuggish ways, is unfortunate by anyone’s standard, but now he’s back and looking to make up for lost time.

“It hasn’t been easy for me to undergo two operations in the same season, but I am still positive,” the Frenchman said.

“I’m no longer in pain, I went into challenges and I made tackles. I now need to regain my rhythm.

“It is going to be difficult for Arsenal to win the title, as Chelsea are doing very well.

“But it would be great if we can finish second.”

Although Hector Bellerin has performed better than many of us expected in the right-back slot, once Mat has returned to full match-fitness you would expect him to reclaim the starting spot.

The one good thing that comes from all his injuries is at least we have a super-fresh player back for the run-in although Arsene Wenger admitted at his pre-Liverpool press conference that it is doubtful that Debuchy will be ready in time for the Reds visit on Saturday.

Added to all the others who have been out for long-periods this season, that could be the difference between Arsenal and the chasing pack as we close down second spot and look to overhaul Manchester City who are only one point ahead.