Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Danny Welbeck is one of four stars ruled out of contention until after the upcoming international break. Back-up goalkeeper David Ospina and defenders Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi make up the remainder of the quartet.

For Welbeck, it is the latest in the procession of injuries that have plagued his career so far at the North London club. He had to come off during the recent 2-1 defeat at Watford with a recurrence of the groin strain which had kept him out previously. Ironically, it was the England striker’s first game back from that injury. It’s a real blow for Wenger who is a big fan of what Welbeck brings to the side. His all-round game perfectly complements the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette and he will be a big miss.

“Welbeck is out. He has a groin problem I think it will be two to three weeks before he is back. He will not be before the international break.” Wenger told the London Evening Standard. Wenger hopes to have Ospina and Mustafi back in action for the North London derby against Tottenham on November 18th. Mustafi tweaked a hamstring in the recent World Cup qualifier for Germany against Azerbaijan.

“Mustafi will not be back before the break and Ospina as well. Ospina is not very bad, he has a grade one (groin strain) so it’s just a couple of weeks. Mustafi is a bit worse than Ospina.” the Gunners French boss added. Wenger also added that he believes Chambers would be back soon after the break but could not give a timescale. All four players have had chequered careers so far at Arsenal. They will be desperate to get over these injuries as soon as is possible to get themselves back in the first-team.