Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has insisted that Francis Coquelin is "crucial" to Arsenal's long-term hopes of success this season.

The French midfielder has spent time on the sidelines of late, forcing him to miss the Gunners' last two games.

Coquelin edged his way into Arsene Wenger's first-team plans last term after returning from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic, which Oxlade-Chamberlain puts down to his teammate's "great attitude".

"Francis has always been an amazing player," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "When you're at a club like Arsenal, sometimes it can be hard to find opportunities, but he's someone who has a great attitude.

"Sometimes going out on loan can be hard for players to do but he's gone out on loan, proved himself by playing well then came back and took his opportunity. He's someone that I love having in the team. When I think about Arsenal I think he's a massive vocal part of our team, and he proves that week after week and in training as well.

"Everything that he does is different to what a lot of the other boys in our team can do. I think that's crucial to the team because he brings something different. As long as he keeps doing that I'm sure he's going to keep progressing as a player and helping this team."

Coquelin recently returned to full training, but he remains a doubt for Tuesday night's Champions League meeting with Olympiacos.