Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reveals midfielder Alexis Sanchez could miss Sunday's home game against Aston Villa after suffering a hamstring injury.
The Chilean joins Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the sidelines but the Frenchman says that with the exception of the Spaniard, all players should be back in the squad in the first week of February.
"The squad will be exactly the same as last Sunday," Wenger said.
"The only uncertainty we have is Alexis Sanchez who has a hamstring concern, and that will be decided on Saturday. He might be out for Sunday.
"The only [other] difference is that Gabriel [Paulista] is available and we’ll check him how he is physically but he should be alright to be available.
"[Danny] Welbeck is very close. He is really, really, really nearly there. He will be available for the Tottenham game.
"They [Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] are not completely there yet but they are not far.
"Jack should join in normal training in 10 days. Welbeck on Monday. That’s where we are at the moment. Arteta a bit longer."
Meanwhile, the Frenchman says goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny could be back in goal after being replaced by Davis Ospina earlier this month.
Wenger insisted that the youngster was not dropped as a consequence of smoking after the 2-0 defeat against Southampton and was in the starting line-up against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup.
"Of course he works very hard," Wenger said.
"He has responded very well. He is 100 per cent committed in training and works harder than ever. At the moment, the competition is there.
"I just always have to make the decision who plays the next game."
