Mat Ryan primed to make Arsenal debut against Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta is forced to make Alex Runarsson decision

Mat Ryan looks poised to make his first Arsenal start against Aston Villa this weekend having successfully recovered from a hip injury.

The Gunners travel to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime – which is LIVE on talkSPORT – and Brighton loanee Ryan is fit and available for selection having been pictured in training.

The Australia international, 28, has made 124 appearances for the Seagulls since joining the club in 2017, and his return from injury will be a welcome boost for Arteta.

Speaking during Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “He’s not been available to train yet and Alex is available so we will have a choice to make for the weekend.”

However, when pressed if Ryan would be considered for selection should he prove his fitness, Arteta responded: “Yes, if Mat is able to train and they are both fit then we have a decision to make.

“If Mat is not fit, then, obviously Alex [Runarsson] will be in goal.”

Icelandic goalkeeper Runarsson has come in for heavy criticism from sections of the Arsenal fanbase since joining from French outfit Dijon last summer, especially after a poor display in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.

Quizzed on Runarsson’s role at the Emirates, Arteta added: “Alex knew his role before we signed him and obviously he knows his role after we signed him.

“We had a plan on the goalkeeping positions and we could not execute the plan the way we wanted for different reasons.

“But Alex’s role was very clear around the squad and that hasn’t changed. He needs to earn his opportunity and he needs to earn his place.”