Arsenal boosted by the return of star player to full fitness

Gunners go into the game at Old Trafford on Wednesday on the back of a 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions and sitting eight points above United in the Premier League. Besides their advantage in points Arsenal have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Nacho Monreal who has not played since the 5-1 drubbing of Fulham at the start of October. The left-back has been suffering with an ongoing hamstring issue but could now be in contention to feature at Old Trafford having taken a full part in Tuesday's session at London Colney. Speaking ahead of the trip to Old Trafford, Emery said: "It’s a new match, a new challenge, a big challenge. It’s away and we need to continue improving our mentality away. We know we need to change to get more competitive away. “I think the team is doing that, but it’s a new challenge because we’re going to play against Manchester United away, and the challenge is bigger than other matches. For us, it’s a very exciting match. “The preparation for this match is also a big motivation for us. It gives me a big motivation for Wednesday. If we are stronger now, we need to [show that] on Wednesday.”

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