Olivier Giroud returns to first-team squad as Mertesacker and Bellerin resume training

Arsenal have been handed a massive triple injury boost ahead of what will be a busy month especially during the Christmas and New Year period when the team will play in every three days.

Olivier Giroud, Hector Bellerin and Per Mertesacker returned to training ahead of the Gunners' clash against FC Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday (6 December). The former missed the clash against West Ham United with a minor injury and will return to the first-team squad for the clash against the Swiss outfit.

However, Bellerin and Mertesacker, who are returning from more serious injuries, have only resumed light training and are unlikely to return to the first-team immediately. Wile the former could return ahead of Arsenal's clash against Manchester City on 18 December, the German is targeting a return at the start of the New Year.

Arsene Wenger confirmed Giroud's participation in their final Champions League group game revealing that he will replace a suspended Francis Coquelin in the squad. The north London must win the game and hope Ludogorets pull off a shock result against Paris Saint-Germain to have a chance of topping the group.

"It's basically the same squad. Coquelin has been replaced by Olivier Giroud in the squad. So, overall, it's about stability," Wenger said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

Mertesacker and Bellerin, meanwhile, have expressed their delight after returning to training and both players are looking to make quick returns to the first-team. Both were pictured training separately from the first-team squad on Monday (5 December) as they continue their recovery from knee and ankle injuries respectively.

"Great feeling to be back home at the Arsenal training ground! Working hard and getting stronger every day!" Mertesacker wrote on his official Twitter page alongside a picture of him in training. Similarly, Bellerin also shared a picture of him in training via his Instagram page and said: "Back out here with the ball."