Wenger welcomes Gibbs’ return as injury crisis eases

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes the Gunners’ defensive injury crisis may be easing after full-back Kieran Gibbs returned to full training, although not in time for tonight’s Premier League trip to Bolton.

Wenger reported no fresh fitness worries following Sunday’s 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round win over Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium, where they had trailed 2-0 at half-time.

Right-back Bacary Sagna came on for the closing stages for a first appearance since breaking his ankle against Tottenham in October, and the imminent return of England international left-back Gibbs after three months out following groin surgery will be another timely boost, with Carl Jenkinson and Andre Santos both still on the recovery trail.