Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez and Mikel Arteta remain on seven-man injury list

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he has no new injury concerns following the Olympiakos game in midweek but both Alexis Sanchez and Mikel Arteta will remain on the side-lines for the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday (13 December).

The French boss, meanwhile, has claimed that Jack Wilshere will not be ready return to action until the New Year alongside long-term absentees Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky.

The Gunners visit Villa Park in search to extend their good run after a week where they secure the qualification to the Champions League last 16 with a 3-0 victory at Olympiakos following their Premier League win over Sunderland. But the French boss still will have seven players out for Sunday's game.

Sanchez was allowed to go to his homeland to recover from a the hamstring injury he suffered during the 1-1 draw against Norwich City in November. Recent reports claimed that the former Barcelona star may return to training next week in order to be ready for the crucial home game against Manchester City on 21 December.

Speaking in the press conference ahead of the visit to Villa Park, Wenger said: "We only got back on Thursday so we will see the players today but we had no injuries after the game."

"[Sanchez and Arteta] are short-term injuries, neither will be available for Sunday. No Arteta and no Alexis - who is the shortest one. The others will be [available] after Christmas.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that Wilshere could return to action by the end of the 2015 after being close to recover from the fractured leg he sustained before the Community Shield win over Chelsea in August.

But Wenger said: "If you ask me will he be fit before the end of December? No chance."

Meanwhile, asked about Rosicky, he added: "He is quite positive. He is running outside but not ready yet. End of January."