Arsenal team news: Francis Coquelin in line to start against Bournemouth as Welbeck nears fitness

Back in action: Coquelin could return for weekend clash with the Cherries
James Olley4 February 2016

Francis Coquelin is in line to start his first Premier League game for more than two months at Bournemouth on Sunday.

Arsenal travel to the south coast in search of their first win in five League games with manager Arsene Wenger ready to recall his principal defensive midfielder for what could prove a tricky test against Eddie Howe's side.

Coquelin suffered a knee injury at West Brom on 21 November but made his comeback in last weekend's FA Cup win over Burnley, lasting 71 minutes, and made a brief cameo appearance as a substitute in Tuesday's goalless draw with Southampton.

Mathieu Flamini's place is under threat with Coquelin now pushing hard for a starting place.

Meanwhile, the club's medical staff will assess Danny Welbeck today before deciding whether he should play for the Under-21s against Brighton tomorrow.

Welbeck returned to training last week after nine months out following knee surgery. Arsenal are reluctant to put a definitive timescale on his return but Standard Sport understands the FA Cup match against Hull in a fortnight is viewed as a possible target, assuming there are no setbacks in his recovery in the interim.

What do you think? Should Coquelin return this weekend?

We'll be conducting a live Q&A with Standard Sport columnist Tony Evans today at 12pm. Pose your questions in the comment box below!

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