Arsenal expect Sokratis to be fit for Bournemouth clash with David Luiz suspension looming

Arsenal are confident Sokratis Papastathopoulos will be fit to play instead of the suspended David Luiz at Bournemouth on Monday.

Sokratis missed Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea because of illness but he is expected to recover for the FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Luiz is banned against Bournemouth following his red card at Stamford Bridge and midfielder Granit Xhaka had to play three-quarters of the game at centre-back.

Shkodran Mustafi is the only other centre-back option available to Mikel Arteta, so the return of Sokratis would be a major boost.

Arteta is expected to name a strong side against Bournemouth, with Gabriel Martinelli set to start following his ­brilliant solo goal against Chelsea.

Arsenal are targeting a move for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Layvin Kurzawa, who is valued at £4million.

Kurzawa is out of contract at the end of the season and PSG are willing to let him leave this month.

Bukayo Saka has impressed as an emergency left-back and Hector ­Bellerin made a goalscoring return against Chelsea but Arteta is keen to bolster his full-back options.