Hector Bellerin Injury: Arsenal Defender Returns to Training After Ankle Problem

Arsenal have received a timely fitness boost in the form of Hector Bellerin, who has returned to training after being sidelined for five games with an ankle injury and could be in line to face FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

According to MailOnline's Matthew Smith, the defender trained on Monday "at close to full strength."

The Spaniard is a key player for the north London side, and his return will be welcomed by the Emirates Stadium faithful.

The right-back's electric pace and vision make him a potent threat out wide and going forward for Arsenal, while his defensive solidity is steadily improving all the time.

Bellerin's form had put him well ahead of Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy in the pecking order, and while Gabriel Paulista or Rob Holding can provide cover there, they're not natural full-backs.

Arsenal will benefit from the return of a key member of their back line ahead of the festive period, during which time they play Stoke City, Everton and Manchester City.