Arsenal will welcome Aaron Ramsey back into the squad for the game against Southampton while Mesut Ozil is also expected to feature.

Aaron Ramsey missed out on Arsenal’s last two games through an ankle injury he picked up at Old Trafford. The midfielder returned to training this week and Unai Emery confirmed he is set to be involved at St Mary’s.

“The doctors said to me he thinks on Friday and Saturday he can train and can be ok for Sunday,” Unai Emery told reporters about Ramsey.

Ozil started his first game in a month when he faced Qarabag and grabbed an assist within 15 minutes of his return. He is still, however, not guaranteed a starting role on Sunday.

“After his injuries, he’s coming back with a good work, today he performed,” Emery said of Ozil. Asked if he would start on Sunday, Emery simply said. “We’ll see.”

Arsenal will be without Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis who are both suspended after picking up their fifth yellow of the season. Emile Smith Rowe is still out with a hip problem although he is expected to return to training at some point this month.

Laurent Koscielny could come back into the starting lineup as Arsenal’s only fit and available centreback, but Emery is also considering using Nacho Monreal and/or Stephan Lichsteiner back there.

“I believe in my players,” he said. “We can use another player like a centre-back with a performance.

“I have one idea on my mind but we need to know how Laurent has recovered and whether he can play on Sunday. Every player is now ok to help in the position we need.”