Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: 'If everyone is fit, we don't need new players in January'

Arsenal will not sign anyone in the January transfer window if Arsene Wenger manages to rid his squad of persistent injury problems, the Gunners boss has confirmed.

Wenger will have just one fit centre-half at his disposal for the visit of Newcastle United on Saturday 13 December, with Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal injured and Calum Chambers suspended.

A lengthening injury list, which also includes Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott, will heighten calls for Wenger to make significant additions to his squad during the January transfer window, but the Frenchman claims he is happy with his options – providing everyone is fit.

"If everyone is fit then we don't need to go into the transfer market," Wenger told reporters.

Wenger has previously suggested the club made a mistake in not signing another player in the summer following the departure of Thomas Vermaelen, something the club would aim to rectify in the new year.

"I agree we could have bought another player," Wenger said at Arsenal's annual general meeting in October. "We will try and rectify that in December ahead of the transfer market in January."

Amid Arsenal's defensive woes, the Gunners' boss has also ruled Aaron Ramsey out of contention after the Welshman suffered a hamstring problem during the 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday 9 December. Ramsey was replaced at half time after scoring two goals.

"It's a shame because he was getting close to matching last season's form," Wenger said.

After scoring twice midweek, Lukas Podolski will be hoping to retain his place in the first-team squad. The German international has failed to start a single Premier League game this season and has repeatedly pleaded with Wenger to provide clarification over his role in the squad

The manager said: "He's getting back into form. There's a lot of competition up front. He will get a chance.

"I can understand frustration but he has to be ready when his chance comes to help the club."