Arsenal injury news: Arsene Wenger confirms Wojciech Szczesny ruled out but hopes to have Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs fit

Wenger revealed the latest Arsenal injury news that has crippled his team this season as well as acknowledge the rumours surrounding Thierry Henry's return

(Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will miss Arsenal's Premier League clash against Southampton on Wednesday, but hopes to have either Kieran Gibbs or Nacho Monreal available.

Arsenal’s worrying injury list, which continues to grow after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over West Brom, makes glum reading for the Gunners faithful, with goalkeeper Szczesny remaining on the sidelines having picked up a hip sprain when he collided with team-mate Kieran Gibbs during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

He is joined by Mathieu Debuchy and reserve goalkeeper David Ospina, who are not yet fit enough to return to action after lengthy lay-offs, so Emiliano Martinez will continue between the sticks against the Saints.

“Szczesny is still out,” said Wenger, who was speaking at a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League encounter with Southampton.. “Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina are one week away.”

Wenger also saw Monreal limp out of the win at the Hawthorns while his replacement Gibbs picked up a knock before the final whistle, but the Arsenal manager is hopeful that at least one of them will be fit to play tomorrow.

"I'm hoping that one of Kieran Gibbs or Nacho Monreal will be available,” Wenger added. "It's a big game and an opportunity to show consistency in our results."

Wenger did have praise for the Gunners’ opponents tomorrow, although the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday saw Southampton slip to third in the table.

Kieran Gibbs is an injury doubt (Getty Images)

Wenger said: "Southampton are stable at the back and new signings have integrated well.

"If Southampton can maintain run, they can challenge [for Champions League places]. We are very united [at the club]. Our job is to be competitive and to fight.”

Wenger also confirmed that Thierry Henry will return to Arsenal, but he has refused to elaborate on when that will be or in what role the legendary striker will be in.

Henry announced on Monday that he was leaving New York Red Bulls following the expiration of his contract, and has previously stated in an interview with French media that he would love to return to the club where he made his name.

Wenger, who signed Henry from Juventus in August 1999 for around £11m, has admitted that the prospect of the Former France international returning to the Premier League club is “certain”, but also stressed that he understands Henry’s decision to take some time to reflect before his next move – be it into retirement or to continue his playing career at the age of 37.

"I understand that he wants to reflect for a while on what he wants to do [next]," said Wenger.

"Certainly one day he will come back here. In what capacity, I don't know.”