What's up with Santi?

flown home for his uncle's funeral I heard

So he's on the bench? He's played a Hell of a lot and probably could do with a rest. Maybe against Stoke a midfield of Wilshere, Diaby and Arteta is a bit more compact...

There's a load of international friendlies mid week, from what I understand players train a lot on international duty (to build chemistry).

That'll be 5 games in 14 days, not a crazy amount I know but we really can't afford long term injuries with our disgracefully thread bare squad.
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"flown home for his uncle's funeral I heard"

I hadn't heard that but obviously if true that's another good reason.

The Arsenal twitter feed lists him as being on the bench.

comment by Long Dong Silver (U3072)
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Was what I read on another forum, he's on your bench tho.

He could do with a rest. A very good opportunity to see if this midfield three can work together.

Plus you can do with height against Stoke which he doesn't really provide

That's a lie!

Santi is on the bench

Wise decision. Stoke players might have felt impelled to violence by his smile.