Liverpool vs Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey absence over Christmas period 'scares' Arsene Wenger

The influential midfielder could miss the entirety of the festive fixtures

Aaron Ramsey with Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his concern about the possible absence of Aaron Ramsey over the festive period, admitting it's left him "scared".

The influential midfielder has returned to form after a 15-game run without finding the back of the net. However, he scored against Stoke and was then brilliant in the 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League, collecting two goals.

However, the Welshman picked up a slight hamstring injury in that match in Turkey and missed the most recent game against Newcastle. Wenger has now revealed he could miss the next four games.

"I am scared he (Ramsey) will miss the Christmas period," the manager said at his Friday press conference.

"He should be back at the end of December, [or] beginning of January."

Wenger also gave an update on some other injury hit players.

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and (Theo) Walcott will be assessed tomorrow (Saturday). Laurent Koscielny is still out."

Arsenal play Liverpool this weekend before London derbies against QPR and West Ham. On New Year's day they travel to Southampton.

The match at Anfield on Sunday is a game both side's will be desperate to win to affirm their credentials for a top-four finish. Liverpool are currently 11th in the Premier League after a difficult campaign thus far and Wenger admitted they are a different proposition to the side that thrashed Arsenal 5-1 on Merseyside last season.

"Last year Liverpool scored over 100 goals. Now they're not on the same trend. They came off the blocks very strong last time."