Mesut Ozil is in line to make his first Arsenal start since early October after overcoming a knee injury in time to face Stoke.
The Germany international initially suffered a ligament tear in the autumn defeat to Chelsea but suffered a setback in November ruling him out until the New Year.
Ozil is one of a trio of players back into Arsene Wenger's squad ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of Mark Hughes and his side.
Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) is available, while Olivier Giroud returns following suspension for a reckless heabutt in the December victory over QPR.
Arsenal injury list
Wenger will also have to decide whether to recall Wojciech Szczesny after David Ospina deputised in the FA Cup third-round win over Hull whilst Danny Welbeck (thigh), Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby (both calf), Serge Gnabry (knee) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) are still absent.
Provisional squad: Szczesny, Ospina, Monreal, Chambers, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Debuchy, Coquelin, Ramsey, Flamini, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez, Campbell, Akpom, Maitland-Niles.
