Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits Francis Coquelin's recent form has surprised him.
Coquelin, 23, has appeared 15 times for the Gunners since returning from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic and Wenger says it has been a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the French midfielder.
"It is a surprise to everybody," Wenger said.
"The only thing I do is that I never say never to anybody. In my job you have to be open-minded like that. You have to make decisions at times but never close the door completely for anybody.
"He knows it's an opportunity for him. Sometimes when you wait for such a long time to get your chance and you get it, the more you have suffered before. The human being is a strange animal.
"Now that he has a chance he doesn't want to let it slip away. But he is a winner and he wants to win, that's why he is so committed."
