Arsene Wenger provides fitness update on Danny Welbeck and Mikel Arteta ahead of FA Cup final

Arsene Wenger has provided a fitness update on his squad ahead of their FA Cup final tie against Aston Villa, with Danny Welbeck likely to miss out but captain Mikel Arteta potentially in line for a return after six months on the sidelines.

Former Manchester United striker Welbeck was absent once again during the 4-1 win over West Brom on 24 May and has not appeared at all for the Gunners since replacing Francis Coquelin with 14 minutes remaining of a goalless draw against Chelsea in April.

Wenger had previously stated that he would know more regarding the 24-year-old's potential availability for Wembley following a fitness test that was due to be carried out over the weekend, and it now looks like his chances of making the squad have been deemed remote given that he is yet to return to first-team training.

"Welbeck will be short because he has not practised yet," the manager said after also revealing that he had no new injury worries following the end of the Premier League season.

On Arteta, who has been out of action since November and underwent a procedure to remove a bony spur from his troublesome ankle in January, he added: "Arteta is a possibility, because he is back in full training."

Arsenal, extra-time victors over Championship outfit Reading in the last four, head into the final on the back of a superb performance at the Emirates Stadium in which Wenger's side were four goals ahead before half-time courtesy of a wonderful hat-trick from Theo Walcott and a stunning volleyed effort from Jack Wilshere.

Centre-back Gareth McAuley netted a consolation for the Baggies after the break but the level of performance and indeed the quality of the football on show in that relentless first half will no doubt be of great concern to Villa boss Tim Sherwood who watched his side slip to an undewhelming 1-0 defeat at home to relegated Burnley on the final day.