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Wojciech Szczesny is hopeful of a return to the Arsenal team for Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round clash against Middlesbrough.
The 24-year-old has made just one appearance since he was fined £25,000 for smoking in the showers following the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year’s Day.
That outing came in the previous round against Brighton with Colombian goalkeeper David Opsina taking over between the posts.
It is understood that manager Arsene Wenger is encouraged by Szczesny’s response in training and the Poland international believes he will be rewarded with a place in the starting line-up against the Championship leaders.
Player Ratings: Arsenal v Leicester City
Jack Wilshere could also play some part having returned to full training this week following nearly three months out with an ankle injury. The 23-year-old is unlikely to start but could feature from the bench if there are no problems in training over the next three days.
Wenger is understandably cautious in bringing Wilshere back into the fold given his injury history but he is ahead of schedule in his recovery after damaging his ankle ligaments on November 22 in Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Paulista could also be handed his debut following an £11.2million move from Villarreal last month.
