The forward had arguably his best three matches in a Scotland jersey during the autumn Test clashes with Argentina, New Zealand and Tonga.
Now he is back in the Gunners squad for their Guinness Pro12 trip to Parma to face Zebre alongside fellow Scotland international Tim Visser.
Their return is another huge boost for Alan Solomon's team after they registered their fourth win in five games with a 28-13 victory over Cardiff Blues at BT Murrayfield last weekend.
Ford said: "The team winning on Sunday against Cardiff meant when I came back to train on Tuesday, the boys were upbeat and looking forward to the match this weekend.
"Zebre have shown some good form at home this year so we'll have to execute well and play to the best of our ability to get a good result."
Matt Scott, meanwhile, retains the number 13 jersey after he stepped in as a last minute replacement for Sam Beard last week.
The capital club have defeated Zebre on three of the last four meetings between the teams.
Although the hosts have lost their last four league fixtures, they posted a 13-6 win at home over Ulster, earlier in the tournament.
Solomons said: "It is great to have Fordy and Viss back. Fordy has played terrific rugby in the autumn internationals and will add huge value to the team. Zebre at home are a tough proposition and we will need to perform really well to get a result."
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