Injuries to the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sánchez have been concerning this season, but they have meant chances for other players.
Joel Campbell has been one man to impress, and Arsenal academy graduate Alex Iwobi has also had a couple of opportunities now. The Nigeria international made his first Emirates Stadium start against Sunderland in the FA Cup this season and featured off the bench against Stoke City a week ago.
Now a regular in the matchday squad, he is expected to make the bench once again as Chelsea visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Could he have an impact once again?
“You can see the change in his confidence after being given some minutes in the first team,” Mikel Arteta has said of Iwobi ahead of Sunday’s game.
“The Stoke game was a good example of that. He came on and had an impact straight away. His decision-making was excellent and the game didn’t run quicker than him.
“To do that against a tough team in a difficult atmosphere tells you he is improving and moving forwards.”
The winger has impressed and gives Arsène Wenger more options from the bench, thanks to his versatility.
“I was surprised he could play in central midfield as well,” Arteta also said. “He is versatile and that’s a massive attribute because forwards don’t normally have that 360 vision that you need in midfield.
“Alex is capable of reading the game well, understanding his positioning and his body shape when he plays.
“That’s fairly unusual for a player who plays on the wing or up front. That will be important for his development.”