Arsene Wenger has expressed delight at finally having William Gallas back at his disposal.
The classy French defender has been sidelined since damaging a thigh in training in November.
He suffered a number of setbacks in his recovery, but he trained without restriction in the last week and has been passed fit to link up with the squad for the FA Cup fifth round meeting with Blackburn.
"He can bring his experience, we are in the final sprint of the season and to have him back is a big boost," Wenger said on Sky Sports News. "He is a winner, he wants to win, he loves to win, he is a competitive player and I am very happy to have him back."
Wenger admits that Gallas' lengthy spell on the sidelines caused him concern, but he is not worried about throwing the defender back into the mix.
"I was worried for a while, as his injury took much longer than expected," noted the Frenchman. "He had two setbacks, it was depressing for him but he responded well.
"He will not be 100 per cent when you have been out for so long, but the way to get back to 100 per cent is to play.
"Once he is in the squad it does not make a difference, he is capable to play."