Arsenal Injury News: Welbeck Still in Doubt While Walcott To Miss Manchester United Game

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed both Olivier Giroud and Mikel Arteta are ready to return to action against Manchester United on Saturday – but Danny Welbeck remains in doubt while Theo Walcott will be probably surprisingly be out of the squad.

Meanwhile, Wenger is also concerned to check today on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, who only arrived back from Chile after international duty.

Furthermore, Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Debuchy, Abou Diaby, Mesut Ozil and goalkeeper David Ospina remain unavailable.

After breaking his tibia in the 2-2 draw with Everton earlier in August, Giroud was expected to be out of action until the new year, but he is ready to make an early return.

Meanwhile, the Spanish midfielder missed the Premier League 2-1 defeat against Swansea before the international break after suffering a hamstring injury during the Gunners' 3-3 draw against Anderlecht in the Champions League on 4 November.

Wenger has confirmed both are available for the United visit.

"The [Giroud's] surgery went well and there were no setbacks. He is very solid and has a positive mentality - that helps," Wenger confirmed, according to Arsenal official website.

However, the boss has claimed Walcott didn't train on Thursday and will probably miss the game.

"I don't think he will be available tomorrow," he said.

Meanwhile, Welbeck's participation is still in doubt after the striker picked up a hamstring strain during England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday, leading to his replacement by Raheem Sterling after 66 minutes at Celtic Park.

"His fitness will depend on the medical assessment this morning," Wenger said.

Despite the injuries, Wenger has hailed the international breaks which he believes are useful for the players' development.

"When players go away and have positive experiences it can benefit the clubs when they come back," he said.

"Everyone has come back in decent shape. We have to check in with some players this morning, so we have lots to check today".