Arsene Wenger revealed that Olivier Giroud could return to action on Tuesday from the toe injury that has kept him sidelined for the past five games.

Returning to training, the Frenchman has yet to start a match this season and has had to watch on from the sidelines as Alexis Sanchez made the main striking role his own, consigning Giroud to the role of backup – something, it could be argued, he was only ever purchased to be in the first place before circumstance conspired to make him #1 choice.

Speaking to the press after the 0-0 draw against Boro at the Emirates, Wenger said, “Giroud could be in the squad on Tuesday night. We have a game on Tuesday night here, so maybe he will be available to be in the squad on Tuesday.”

We should see a number of changes on Tuesday night as standard for this competition.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks like he is set to start while Emi Martinez will replace Cech, Kieran Gibbs will come in for Nacho Monreal. Gabriel, Rob Holding, Lucas, Jeff, and even Carl Jenkinson could/should all come into the squad.

Arsenal will be looking to extend their 12 game unbeaten run, having not lost since the opening day against Liverpool. As Wenger highlighted post-Boro, we responded brilliantly to that disappointment – we must do the same in the next match.

Reading, for their part, will bring 5,000 fans to the Emirates for the 7.45pm kick-off.

The Royals have won just one of their last five games, a 1-0 that came at the weekend when they travelled to Rotherham.