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Bellerin returns from injury to make bench vs. Stoke City

Reuters

Good news, Arsenal supporters: full-back Hector Bellerin has made his return from injury for Saturday's visit from Stoke City.

The pacey Spaniard was named to the bench for the clash at the Emirates, with centre-half Gabriel assuming the right-back role for a third successive match after good showings against West Ham and FC Basel.

Bellerin, 21, hasn't played since picking up an ankle injury during an Nov. 6 tilt with Tottenham, missing Arsenal's last six matches in all competitions.

With Bellerin out, Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy, and Gabriel have shared right-back duties. Jenkinson, who himself had returned from a pesky injury, was lambasted on social media after a drab performance during a midweek 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain.

Matters were worse for the Frenchman, after Debuchy - who, like Jenkinson, had used the Under-23 side as a stepping stone on return from injury - picked up a serious hamstring issue during a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. Gabriel was forced to play out of position during the League Cup bow with Southampton and Saturday's West Ham beatdown.

Arsene Wenger and Co. will be buoyed by Bellerin's return to fitness, as the Spain international has emerged as one of Europe's best full-backs, earning a spot in last season's PFA Team of the Year.

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