Arsenal wing-back Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed his battle with Hector Bellerin for a starting place.

A hamstring injury allowed the impressive Hector Bellerin back into the fold, but Oxlade-Chamberlain has timed his return to full fitness well, and the 23-year-old has not given up hopes of a starting place in Saturday's Emirates FA Cup final.

“Hector's more naturally suited to the right-back role, but since the wing-back situation has come into play, that's played into my hands and my favour," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

“Both of us are capable of playing the position and, as you said, it was a bad time for me to pick up the injury coming into the end of the season and obviously the FA Cup final. These things happen in football and since Hector's been playing again, he's been playing really well.

“He got two assists away at Stoke and he chipped in with a goal at the weekend, so he's done really well. We know he's more than capable of playing in that role and performing really well.

“That obviously makes competition for places tough but that's what it's like when you're at a top club. As long as both of us play as well as we can when we're getting the opportunities, that's the best thing for the team."