Arsenal injury news: Arsene Wenger faces major defensive crisis ahead of Newcastle United clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly facing a major injury crisis ahead of Newcastle United's visit on Saturday to the Emirates Stadium.

According to the Mirror, the Gunners have only one fit centre-back going into the clash against the St James' Park outfit, who are one of the form teams in the league having beaten league leaders Chelsea in last weekend's Premier League fixture.

The report claims that Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal are injury doubts for the game and backup centre-back Caluym Chambers is suspended following his red card in the game against Stoke City. That leaves Arsenal with just one fit central defender in Per Mertesacker.

Koscielny, who was out for a lengthy period of time with an Achilles injury, made his first-team return in the game against Southampton earlier in the month. However, since then he has failed to make an appearance, either because of a setback or because the manager was being too cautious and taking his time, as the Gunners have crucial fixtures coming up during the Christmas and New Year period.

On the other hand, Monreal, who is primarily a left back, has been filling in at the heart of the back four in the absence of the Frenchman, but is currently injured after picking up a knee injury early into the game against West Bromwich Albion.

The north London club have had a wretched run when it comes to injuries being picked up by their players and have not played their regular back four since Mathieu Debuchy got injured in September. The Frenchman has since returned, but it does look like the manager will have to look at the reserves to make up the numbers on Saturday.

Wenger has indicated that he is looking to strengthen his defence during the January transfer window and has been linked with players from the Premier League and the Championship.