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Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sidelined 'for a few weeks'

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Arsene Wenger confirms Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain lay-off

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be sidelined "for a few weeks", manager Arsene Wenger has revealed.

The England international injured a knee in a challenge with Javier Mascherano in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat at home to Barcelona on Tuesday and was replaced by Theo Walcott five minutes into the second half.

And Wenger admitted at his media conference ahead of the Super Sunday clash at Manchester United the injury is more of a concern than at first realised.

"His injury is quite serious and keeps him out for a few weeks," said Wenger. "He is seeing a specialist at the moment and hopefully we will have good news. He is out for a few weeks, for how long exactly I don't know."

When asked if the player's injury setback could affect his chances of making Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016, Wenger added: "I don't know but I am cautious.

Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain injured during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 1st leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at Emirates Stadium
Image: Oxlade-Chamberlain was injured against Barcelona

"It's a new injury. When he has been cut in two by Mascherano, he did his knee. We have to see how big the damage is and we'll see more later.

"I don't think it was a malicious tackle, it was fully committed. Let's hope we have good news that it is only two or three weeks, not six or seven."

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Striker Danny Welbeck has featured in the Gunners' last three matches after 10 months out following knee surgery but Wenger would not confirm him as a starter against his former club.

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"He's been out for a while and we need to be cautious with Danny Welbeck," he said.

"I haven't picked my team for Sunday yet but he is back in the squad. He is not completely over his knee problem. He's doing extremely well and very fit, but I have to analyse that as well."

Wenger also confirmed defender Gabriel will have a scan on a hamstring injury that has seen him miss Arsenal's last three matches.

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