Ahead of the Aston Villa game, Mikel Arteta was asked whether it would be 'strange' to ask Alex Runarsson to start given he was removed from the Europa League squad.
"No. Alex knew his role before we signed him and obviously he knows his role after we signed him," the boss replied as quoted by Arsenal's website.
"We had a plan on the goalkeeper position and we could not execute the plan in the way we wanted, for different reasons, but Alex's role was very clear around the squad.
"That hasn't changed. Then, he needs to earn his opportunity and he needs to earn his place. He is third, second or first, depending on his performance. He needs to push for that."
Bernd Leno is suspended for the Villa clash and Mat Ryan is likely to miss it through injury.
It leaves Arteta no choice but to start Runarsson on Saturday.
