Arsene Wenger: Squad depth a strength for Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no concerns over the competition for places at the Emirates, insisting it will prove a huge asset over the remainder of the season. 

The emergence of Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin, along with the return of established stars Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott from injury, gives Wenger as big a squad as he has enjoyed all season. 

Walcott and Ozil watched from the bench when Manchester City were despatched 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend but could start Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Brighton on Sunday. 

And with Jack Wilshere on his way back from ankle surgery, Wenger can only look on his options in a positive manner as he looks to keep his side in the hunt for a Champions League berth. 

Competition key

"People reproach you when you have no competition on the bench.  When there is one, they question you as well," said Wenger. 

"It is true there is competition for places at the moment, that is a luxury that only a club of our stature can afford. 

"It can make the players better, because the competition inside the club is always very important to keep the players on their toes. 

"These (Walcott and Ozil) are players who are in a bit of a special position, it is not their quality which is questioned, it is just the fact they have just come back from long-term injuries." 

Wenger accepts he is going to have some tough calls to make when everyone is available, but it is a position he would much rather be in. 

"The best eleven I have in my head can change every week.  We are in a world where competition is vital and competition is just down to performance in the last game," he added. 

Walcott's FA Cup desire

Walcott is desperate to compete in the FA Cup this season, having suffered severe knee ligament damage in the third round last year, an injury that forced him to miss their run to winning the final as well as England's World Cup campaign. 

"A lot of people say some players have lost some love for the competition, but not for me at all," Walcott told Arsenal Player. 

"I am sure our players, having won it last year, will want to hold on to the trophy, so it is important to start well. 

"For me personally it would be fantastic (to do well in the FA Cup) because of the disappointment of last year.  That is something I am desperate to achieve this year. 

"It was hard to take definitely, missing the final, but it is one of those things that happen in football and things happen for a reason."