Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the injury to Kieran Gibbs forced Arsenal to act quickly in their signing of defender Nacho Monreal.
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The highly rated Spain international joined the Gunners from Primera Liga side Malaga on transfer-deadline day, with his move helping cushion the blow of Gibbs' injury, which will see the full-back out for up to six weeks.
And although Wenger insists they have had their eye on Monreal for some time, he admits Gibbs' injury gave them to push to complete the deal.
"Our scouts have followed his progress for a while and of course we had a blow with the Gibbs injury, which is a bit longer than expected," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.
"We expected Gibbs to be out for two to three weeks, but it will be four to six, so we were in a position where we had to make a quick decision. That explains our buy.
"We bought Monreal as a left-back but he can play as well as a left-sided midfielder. We bought him as well because we believe he can integrate into our style of play and adapt very quickly to that.
"He has the characteristics to play our game because he is very mobile, has a good left foot and is very good in combination play. That is vital in our style of play.
"He is available for the Stoke game. I have not made a decision yet."
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