By John Drayton

PUBLISHED: 10:45 EST, 23 September 2013 | UPDATED: 13:37 EST, 23 September 2013

Striker Nicklas Bendtner is set to play his first competitive game for Arsenal in over two years on Wednesday as Arsene Wenger rotates his squad for the Capital One Cup.

The Dane last played for the Gunners in their 2-0 Premier League defeat by Liverpool in August 2011 but is likely to feature against the side he joined eight years ago in the third-round match at West Bromwich Albion.

'We have a Capital One Cup game at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and I will rotate the team, of course. Nicklas Bendtner has a chance to be involved,' Wenger said in an email to Arsenal fans on Monday.

Comeback: Bendtner was on the bench for Arsenal's 3-1 win against Stoke on Sunday

Comeback: Bendtner was on the bench for Arsenal's 3-1 win against Stoke on Sunday

Bendtner, who has spent loan spells at Sunderland and Italian champions Juventus since last appearing for Arsenal, has not scored for the Gunners since bagging a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient 30 months ago.

Wenger also confirmed that midfielder Jack Wilshere will be rested for the match at the Hawthorns to help him recover for Saturday's league game at Swansea City.

'Jack Wilshere will not play. Normally I would have rested him on Sunday and I decided to take him off because he was a bit exhausted towards the end,' said Wenger.

Forgotten man: Bendtner last played a competitive game for Arsenal in August 2011

Forgotten man: Bendtner last played a competitive game for Arsenal in August 2011

'Rotating the squad is important because we play again on Saturday and after that we have a massive home game in the Champions League (against Napoli).

'We will need everyone to play their part.'

The Arsenal manager also lauded Mesut Ozil's impact since arriving from Real Madrid. The Germany international played a part in creating all three goals against Stoke at the weekend, something Wenger does not see as a fluke.

Impact: Ozil was praised by Wenger for his performances since signing for Arsenal

Impact: Ozil was praised by Wenger for his performances since signing for Arsenal

'When you look at his numbers, the assists are not a coincidence, it's just the reality of his game. I believe that once he is completely integrated we'll see even more from him,' he said.

'It shows how important the delivery is and Mesut Ozil can provide that.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

He is absolutely shocking.

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Well look how Wenger has Ramsey playing. No reason why he can't do the same with Bedtner

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Being ask to stay at arsenal by wenger, there might be a light at the end of tunnel for him.His career has fallen so low ,the only way is up for him. If cant fail as his career is at stake.Expect a decent performance from him if given a chance to play.

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The Baggies must be quaking in their boots.

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Feel sorry for him. Arsenal killed his career.

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I hope he scores a hat-trick. But then again, if he does he'll turn back into an idiot.

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Just play well and score thats all we ask for. I hope he can turn it around, good luck.

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fat boy is back..........

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And as the club with the best away fans in the league he'll get their full support as any proper Arsenal fan should. Scotchy of Eggdom, London, United Kingdom, 23/09/2013 16:15......you are having a laugh right? So the inhabitants of The Library (called that for a reason) suddenly change personality when they're at an opposition's ground? What a load of utter tripe. Deluded beyond all bounds with every comment you make Eggy.

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Give him a break. He has some good attributes and he's never been outspoken or unprofessional.

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