Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny could start against Stoke City

Arsenal will reportedly go into their next league encounter with Stoke City with their recognised central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had been forced to play a make-shift defence of Callum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista in their no-score draw at home against Liverpool.

Despite of suffering from a back problem, France international Laurent Koscielny did make a return in the club's 1-0 win at Newcastle United before the international break.

The Telegraph now understands that the Gunners first-choice pairing will return for the club's next league fixture against Stoke City on Saturday.

Arsenal are currently fifth in the league standings with seven points.