Alexis Sánchez and Francis Coquelin are back, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere are set to join them before too long.

It all means that, despite a blip in form, Arsenal aren’t a million miles from the top of the table. Leicester are five points clear of us, Manchester City are three points behind them. Can our returning players give us just the boost we need?

Jack Wilshere, who is expected back within a month, believes so.

“We’ve had a strong season and we’re in a position this year where we can really go for it,” said the England midfielder, who is yet to play this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal looks on during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium on July 26, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Arsenal lost Wilshere to injury back in August. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“In the past we’ve struggled around Christmas and before we’ve given ourselves no chance really, but this year we’re [close to the top] with important players coming back. Hopefully they can help us.”

After a little while of having young players, who have often struggled in high pressure situations or when opposition sides have been overly physical, the Gunners have added some experience and some steel.

Petr Čech is the latest big addition and has kept us in games. A four-time Premier League winner, he’ll know what to expect and can aid the rest of the squad.

“We’ve added a world-class goalkeeper and he’s been massive for us with his experience. Apart from that, the team’s the same and I think a big part of [us challenging] is because we’ve been together for a few years and the younger British players have started to mature a bit and that’s really helped.”

Hopefully Jack, along with Welbeck, can return and have a big impact in the last couple of months of the campaign.