ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
The 21-year-old pulled up during Monday’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, having earlier set up Nacho Monreal for the game’s opening goal with a jinking run and pass.
He is now expected to miss Arsenal’s Premier League matches against West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool, as well as next week’s Champions League round-of-16 second-leg clash with Monaco and England’s fixtures with Lithuania and Italy.
“It’s a classic hamstring injury,” Wenger replied when asked about Oxlade-Chamberlain. “He’ll be out for three to four weeks.
It’s frustrating for him but he’s played more games this season than before. He’s shown his importance.”
The Arsenal boss also revealed that Jack Wilshere is unlikely to be available for Roy Hodgson as he is still unable to set a firm timetable for the 23-year-old’s return from an ankle problem.
“It’s very difficult to say when he will be back,” Wenger added. “We have to respect his recovery.”
Mathieu Flamini is available for Saturday’s clash with West Ham, but Gabriel will return to training on Sunday and Mikel Arteta is still three weeks away from full fitness.