Arsenal's title challenge is set to be bolstered by the return of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez from injury this weekend as Arsène Wenger's side seek to break down a psychological barrier by securing a first league win over Chelsea in almost five years.

Özil missed last Sunday’s draw at Stoke City with a bruised toe but will start against the champions, with Wenger also hoping Sánchez can feature at some stage for the first time since a hamstring injury suffered at Norwich at the end of November.

The Chilean will be monitored over the next few days, with Wenger anxious to avoid risking a relapse, but should play some part at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal have been further heartened by Francis Coquelin’s return to full training a month early after a knee problem. “The good news is that Özil certainly will be available and, for Sánchez, the next two days will be decisive, though this time I think he will make it for selection,” said Wenger.

Ahead of schedule

"Francis Coquelin is also back in full training today, ahead of schedule, and Danny Welbeck will be in full training next week [having been absent since last April]. So those are positive news. Tomas Rosicky I think will play for the under-21s [against Swansea City]. A few players are coming back. We're going into a very important period now, so to have people available is important for us.

“We have done extremely well during all this period when we had big players out, but this is a good opportunity to have everybody back. We are in front of an important schedule, and we want to do well in the FA Cup and the Champions League.

“The forwards give you goalscoring [potential] and, as well, I think sometimes in games when you have 70 minutes gone and you have a strong bench, it gives you a big chance to win the game. That variety of problems you can give to the opponent is very important.”

Wenger suggested Sánchez may start Sunday’s fixture on the bench. “The doubt is about him having been out for a long time, and the risk of a setback,” he said. “To be clear on all the tests is one thing. To be clear after training is another. But the intensity of a big game you can never replicate in training, and you can make the risk minimal. I’m cautious with him because we cannot afford a setback, which would mean a very long period out. We don’t want to take this risk. But the signs he’s shown in training this week are positive.”

Made their mark

Arsenal, who are top of the table on goal difference from Leicester City, hope to make amends for their 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge by José Mourinho's Chelsea in September. Wenger's side, who are the only team to have beaten Leicester at the King Power Stadium in the league this season, have made their mark against Manchester City and Manchester United this term and are keen to wound the champions.

“It is another opportunity where we can show we have moved forward,” said Wenger. “It’s another game where people look at us and see how we behave. Even if Chelsea are not in the best position, look at their squad. It’s a big game because of the quality of the players on the pitch.

“They are not in this title race, no, but they are direct rivals because of the quality of their team. I think this season is exceptional circumstances for them – they will be back – but I still consider them direct rivals.” Guardian Service