Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmedDanny Welbeckstill faces four weeks out before he is able to return to first-team action, whileMathieu Debuchy is set for six weeks on the sidelines.
StrikerWelbeck has been out of action for the past seven months, following a knee cartilage injury picked up in May. The Englishman was just returning to the first team after10 months out, following surgery to his left knee.
French internationalDebuchy is facing six weeks awayfrom first team action due to ahamstring injury, picked up just 16 minutesinto Arsenal's win over Bournemouth at the weekend.
Wenger admitsDebuchy, who was providing cover foralready injured Hector Bellerin, will not let the injury get him down, saying: "It's a severe hamstring injury, yes. Six weeks, I think.
"It's frustrating for me but even more for him, he's a guy who fights hard, he has an exceptional attitude -He's absolutely disappointed, but he's a fighter, he will fight to come back."
As for Welbeck, the striker was due to return to action 'ahead of schedule' according to Wenger. Yet despite returning to first team training the 26-year-old is still a month away.
Both setbacks come in what has already been an injury-plagued campaign for the Gunners. A total of 16 players have suffered injuries in the first half of this season.
Compared to same period last season, #Arsenal have improved on the number of injuries sustained by 25%: https://t.co/xMvngpjPP0 pic.twitter.com/QlSBAzmT2w
Despite the injuries so far this year, Arsenal are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, only three points off of leaders Chelsea in a successful opening half of the season.
With a fully fit squad there is no doubt thatArsenal are major contenders for the title. Progression inthe Champions League, however, means Wenger will be needing his players back sooner rather than later.
Whether Arsenal can get their stars back in time for a busy second half of the season will prove crucial. If they want the chance to fight forboth trophies this year they will need all their players fit and available for what is going to bea demanding second half of the season.