Arsenal prepare for weekend’s Stoke clash by putting in extra physical set-piece training drills

ARSENAL have geared up for the visit of Stoke by putting in special set-piece training work.

The Gunners entertain Mark Hughes' side tomorrow hoping for a victory that could see them climb to the top of the Premier League.

But to do that manager Arsene Wenger knows his team are going to have to overcome the physical strength of Stoke at both ends of the pitch.

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So in the last training session before Saturday's clash at The Emirates, Wenger put his players through extra work on set-pieces.

He wanted his attackers to get used to being man-handled in the penalty area for corners and free-kicks, while his defenders were asked to make sure they took command of the situation.

There was also the boost of the sight of defender Hector Bellerin back in full training with the first team squad after a month out with an ankle injury.

The influential right-back took a full part in the session, and has been included in the squad to face Stoke, though Wenger is reluctant to rush him back too soon.

Gabriel has been impressive as a stand-in full-back in recent matches, and Wenger wants to ensure Bellerin is not at risk of suffering any injury by coming back before fully ready.

The Gunners are three points adrift of current leaders Chelsea, who have a goal different two better than Arsenal at present.

But a 2-0 victory would be enough to see them move to the top of the table on goals scored, with their London rivals not in action until they take on West Brom on Sunday.