Team News: Wojciech Szczesny drops out for Arsenal against Stoke City

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been dropped to the bench for Arsenal's home clash against Stoke City this afternoon.

Manager Arsene Wenger has taken the decision following revelations that the Pole had been caught smoking in the dressing room following Arsenal's 2-0 defeat away at Southampton on New Year's Day.

As a result, David Ospina, who kept goal against Hull City in the FA Cup, has kept his place between the posts. Olivier Giroud has been recalled to lead the attack following suspension.

Meanwhile, visiting Stoke have handed a debut to Bayer Leverkusen loanee Philipp Wollscheid, who will partner Ryan Shawcross at the heart of the defence.

Mark Hughes's side has also been boosted by the return of Spanish playmaker Bojan following a hamstring complaint.

Arsenal: Ospina; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Sanchez; Giroud

Stoke: Begovic; Cameron, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Pieters; Nzonzi, Whelan; Arnautovic, Bojan, Walters; Crouch

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