Comeback kid: Gibbs set to make Gunners return in the San Siro

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail
Updated: 17:56 EDT, 13 February 2012

Kieran Gibbs is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury in the San Siro on Wednesday night. 

Per Mertesacker is likely to miss the next four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in Saturday’s win at Sunderland.

Comeback: Kieran Gibbs is set to return to action in the San Siro

The injury has put Gibbs - who has not played a competitive match in four months - on red-alert for Wednesday's crucial Champions League second-round first-leg clash against AC Milan.

Thomas Vermaelen had been deputising for Gibbs at left-back during the England defender’s recovery from a persistent groin injury.

But with Mertesacker out, manager Arsene Wenger is set to move Vermaelen back to his preferred central-defensive position, allowing Gibbs to step in at left-back.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month how Gibbs had returned to first team training after spending four months on the sidelines.

 

Gibbs was an unused substitute in the weekend win at the Stadium of Light, but Mertesacker’s injury - and Arsenal’s lack of recognised left-backs - means the 22-year-old is primed to play his first football since October by starting in the vital San Siro clash.