Arsenal injury list: Arsene Wenger has up to eight players missing for Southampton clash

Wenger could be short of a striker for the clash at St Mary's

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Danny Welbeck's thigh injury could leave Arsene Wenger with a lack of options up front for the crucial New Year's Day clash with Southampton.

The Arsenal and England striker, who has seven goals in all competitions this season, will face a late fitness test after hurting himself in the win at West Ham on Sunday.

With Olivier Giroud serving the second of a three-match ban for headbutting Queens Park Rangers defender Nedum Onuoha, Wenger may have to turn to Yaya Sanogo - who has been struggling with injury himself - or out of favour Lukas Podolski, who is linked with a January move away from the Emirates.

Joel Campbell, yet to start a Premier League game, is another option.

Theo Walcott has been an unused substitute for each of the last three games, but has not played in the Premier League since his 12 minutes against Swansea on 9 November.

Wenger could also deploy star man Alexis Sanchez through the middle, with one of the above joining Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wing.

Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey remain sidelined, though the Welshman may be deemed fit enough to play at St Mary's.