Arsenal's players were all smiles as they trained at their London Colney base ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash with Burnley.

The Gunners welcome Sean Dyche's Championship high-fliers to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, where they will bid to reach the fifth round for a sixth consecutive year.

Francis Coquelin is closing in on a return from the knee injury which has sidelined him since November and he was pictured taking part in training.

However, the clash with Burnley may come too soon for him to participate.

Comeback trail: Coquelin is stepping up his return from injury (
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Suspended: Mertesacker (left) is unavailable for the clash with Burnley (
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Welcome return: Sanchez made his first appearance in two months against Chelsea on Sunday (
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Per Mertesacker also trained, although he won't be available for selection due to suspension.

The German was shown a straight red card during Arsenal's loss to Chelsea on Sunday for a foul on Diego Costa.

Following the defeat, which dented Arsenal's title chances, Wenger said Costa was guilty of getting Mertesacker sent off.

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"Costa has got two of our players sent off in the last two games against Chelsea," said Wenger.

"Is the decision right or wrong? I don't know. That is a fact, without accusing him of anything."

Costa was also involved when Gunners defender Gabriel was dismissed in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in September.

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