Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac are both in Arsenal’s provisional squad for the match against Burnley on Saturday, according to The Mirror.
The pair had been left out of Unai Emery’s plans last weekend against Newcastle United amid lingering fears surrounding their respective safety after a suspected knife attack in recent weeks.
However, the duo appear to be set for a return to action at the Emirates Stadium when Burnley visit in the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
Read Arsenal’s verdict
First and foremost, it is good to see that Ozil and Kolasinac have been cleared to participate in the match. No footballer, nor person, should fear for their safety when they simply go to work.
Whether or not either should start this match, however, is uncertain, and Emery certainly has a few selection headaches he will need to solve.
Arsenal are now blessed with a plethora of attacking talent, particularly following the summer arrivals of Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli, and there is a good chance that Ozil will find himself on the bench.
While the German possesses the creative qualities that the Gunners could require to break down a resolute Burnley back-line, Emery may be tempted to hand Ceballos his first start in an Arsenal shirt as he looks to discover a winning formula for the season ahead.
Kolasinac, though, might just have a stronger chance of playing. Kieran Tierney will have to wait for his debut as he continues to nurse an injury, meaning that Nacho Monreal is the Bosnian’s number one competitor for the left-back spot.
Neither are particularly inspiring options, but Emery will be looking for attacking quality down the flanks, and this is arguably where Kolasinac’s skill-set can be best utilised.
It’s a good problem for the manager to have, as competition for places intensifies at this early stage of the season.
