Arsene Wenger gives Arsenal injury update ahead of Liverpool clash

Mathieu Flamini has been ruled out of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday with a groin injury.

The 29-year-old, who has been a mainstay of Arsenal’s midfield since returning to the club on a free transfer over the summer, picked up the problem early in last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Wenger confirmed that the midfielder will miss Saturday’s showdown at Emirates Stadium, as well as Wednesday’s Champions League clash at Boruussia Dortmund – but the Gunners boss is hopeful he could be available for next weekend’s trip to Manchester United.

“Flamini is a short-term injury [and] he could be available for Manchester United,” Wenger said. “He’s out for tomorrow and he’s out for Dortmund.”

The Arsenal manager continued: “We have just [Mikel] Arteta back. [Serge] Gnabry will not be available and all the other long-term injuries are not back; no [Alex Oxlade-]Chamberlain, no [Lukas] Podolski and no [Abou] Diaby.”

Asked about the fitness of Theo Walcott, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, Wenger added: “For Theo, the earliest [will be] Manchester United. I think he will be a bit short for Manchester United.”

Wenger, whose side are two points clear at the top of the table, insisted that Arsenal’s confidence has not been dented by Tuesday’s 2-0 League Cup defeat by Chelsea.

“The mood is very strong, very united and as well very focused,” he continued. “We know where the priorities are – in the Premier League and the Champions League. Our mood is positive.”