Gibbs injury only short term

Arsenal have confirmed England defender Kieran Gibbs suffered only a minor foot injury during the 4-1 Carling Cup victory at Tottenham last night, and is set to be out of action for only the "short term".

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger feared the left-back had suffered another broken metatarsal, having missed a large part of last season with a similar injury, and with it the chance to feature at the World Cup.

However, today's scans have revealed nothing more than severe bruising.

A statement from Arsenal read: "The club is happy to confirm that, following last night's Carling Cup third round match at Tottenham Hotspur, a scan to Kieran Gibbs' foot has shown there is no fracture.

"Kieran has suffered severe bruising to his left foot and will hopefully only be missing from first-team action for the short term."

Arsenal are already without captain Cesc Fabregas, England winger Theo Walcott, Holland striker Robin van Persie, Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner and midfielder Abou Diaby.

However, centre-half Thomas Vermaelen could be available for the visit of West Brom on Saturday after his Achilles injury.