MIKEL Arteta believes Oxford United will provide a stern test for his Arsenal side when the clubs meet in the Emirates FA Cup on Monday night.

Arteta is no stranger to the Kassam Stadium, having visited twice in the Carabao Cup while on the caching staff at Manchester City.

Arsenal’s boss said at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference: “It’s always tricky. I’ve played there a few times and have experienced very difficult matches, so it will be difficult.

“We have to take the competition and the opponent very seriously and play well, to a high level to win the match.

“It will be difficult. From what we’ve seen, they’ve played in different ways and result-wise as well they’ve had a bit of everything.

“It’ll be a very special night and everybody will raise their level and it will be tough.

“It is obviously a competition that is attached to the successful history of this club, so on Monday we’ll have a good start and a good test.”

One player who could return for the Gunners is 22-year-old midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who has been out since September after undergoing groin surgery.

Arteta said: “Tomorrow if he trains well, he will hopefully be available to give us something in the game.”