Lukas Podolski
Lukas Podolski posts a picture from training on Instagram.

Arsenal have received a huge boost with striker Lukas Podolski returning to training as the club look to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the Capital One Cup.

Nicklas Bendtner was given a rare start against Chelsea last night as in-form forward Olivier Giroud started on the bench ahead of a massive game against Liverpool this weekend.

Bendtner put in a particularly disappointing performance, leading many Arsenal fans to call for the Denmark international to be sold as soon as possible.

Arsene Wenger was forced to defend the depth of the Gunners squad after losing to Chelsea and though the manager has continually insisted that Bentdner can become a player worthy of a place in the Arsenal squad, should Podolski make a return he will no doubt be ahead of the Dane.

The Germany international has been recovering from a hamstring injury which came about during Arsenal's 5-0 win over Fenerbahce two months ago. But Podolski looked a happy man as he returned to training, posting pictures on his Instagram and Twitter accounts saying: "I've been waiting for this moment - back on the pitch!"

He could be in contention for Arsenal's all-important match with Liverpool as the side look to maintain their excellent start to the new Premier League season.

The Reds are currently third in the table and have made an equally impressive start to the season, and are likely to prove a major test to Arsenal's credentials as possible league winners.

And while Wenger continues to face criticism over his lack of depth in the squad Podolski's return will give him some much needed experience in attack.