Wenger gives injury update on Flamini, Arteta, Alexis, Wilshere

Basking in the glow of being top of the table at the midway point of the season, Arsene Wenger delivered some more reason for optimism with an update to several key injured players.

On Mathieu Flamini and Alexis Sanchez potentially being back for the Newcastle match this Saturday:

We might have Flamini back. Alexis will be too short for Newcastle. He [could] be back for Sunderland.

Mikel Arteta is clearly progressing in his recovery, but he doesn't seem to be on the same pace to return as the aforementioned two. Still, it's good to have his availability nearing.

Arteta is back in training but is too short [of match fitness] to be selected in a competitive game.

Even Tomas Rosicky's (remember him?) return to the team is on the horizon as Wenger confirmed that he is three weeks away from training normally. However, there is some disappointing news on Jack Wilshere as his recovery time keeps being pushed further and further back than originally anticipated. Despite that, Wenger feels he could be back around February.

I maintain what I said that he could make it back for February. He will be available again. Considering you play the Euros on June 10, that is a long way.

All in all, no new injuries to report and everyone who featured in the win versus Bournemouth should be available this weekend.