Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini wants to prove worth to Arsene Wenger and step into injured Francis Coquelin's shoes 

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Mathieu Flamini is bullish about stepping in to replace the injured Francis Coquelin and says he can fill the defensive midfield void for Arsenal.

The Frenchman has seen his chances limited this season but now has the opportunity for an extended period in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up.

The 31-year-old is keen to prove he still has what it takes for Arsenal and is determined to not let this chance slip through his grasp. 

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is set for a run in the first team with the side depleted with injuries

Francis Coquelin suffered a knee injury against West Brom and has been ruled out for three months 

He told The Mirror: 'I have a chance to be back in the team and I will try to prove every game that I can be in the team. The season is always long, so it's part of the game.

'Sometimes you have to accept being on the bench and sometimes you get a chance to prove you can still play for Arsenal.

'If you don't play every week for an athlete, it's not easy because the more games you have in your legs the better you become. You gain in confidence and you become better physically, so the possibility to play game after game is going to be good for me.' 

The Gunners travel to Norwich on Sunday, as they aim to recover from their last Premier League outing, which saw them suffer a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Brom. 

Santi Cazorla missed a late penalty, while Wenger lost midfielders Coquelin and Mikel Arteta to injury, leaving him depleted in the middle of the park.  

The Frenchman, left, impressed during the Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb 

The combative midfielder is set to start against Norwich on Sunday, as the Gunners look to bounce back