Francis Coquelin has emerged as one of Arsenal 's standout performers this season , since returning from a loan-spell at Championship side Charlton Athletic in December . The 23-year-old Frenchman had been on the peripheries for some time and was loaned to the Addicks in order to gain first-team football ; but following injuries to the likes of Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta , he was recalled to north London after just five games . Now , granted the chance to fill Arsenal 's void between defence and midfield , Coquelin has not looked back and is thriving in his role as the Gunners ' enforcer . Francis Coquelin skips past QPR midfielder Sandro ( right ) during Arsenal 's 2-1 win at Loftus Road . Coqeulin comes forward with the ball ahead of the oncoming QPR striker Bobby Zamora ( right ) He told the club 's official website , ' I never got the chance to have the run of games before . The manager gave it to me and I can show for the first time what I 'm capable of . 'It 's not to be big-headed , but I 've always had confidence in myself . ' Arsenal 's next game is against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Monday . The Gunners lifted the trophy last year after defeating Hull City in the final , but know they will have to be at their best to repeat the feat this term . And Coquelin insists that Arsenal have plenty left to play for this season , challenging for the Cup , while also attempting to finish in the Premier League 's top four and overturning a 3-1 defect in Europe against Monaco . He said , 'We 've got a lot to fight for . We 've got a big game in the Champions League and we need to try and turn that one around . Everything is possible in football . ' Coquelin ( pictured in training on Sunday ) insists that Arsenal still have plenty left to play for this season . Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ( right ) lines up a shot during the training session at Colney . Arsenal players are put through their paces ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United .
Francis Coquelin has emerged as one of Arsenal 's standout performers . The midfielder returned early from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic . He has filled in for the injured Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta . Coquelin told the club 's website , he was always confident in his abilities . Arsenal face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final on Monday .