Alexander Hleb looks set to miss Arsenal’s encounter with Newcastle on Wednesday after taking a knock to his Achilles in the win at Villa on Saturday. Hleb was a doubt for that match with hamstring problems and according to Wenger, he has suffered further problems with this injury too.

“He had a kick on his Achilles,” said Wenger. “He had a hamstring problem before but we decided to play him. He had a little recurrence and I am not sure he will be available for Newcastle on Wednesday night.”

That seems to put him back amongst Arsenal’s walking wounded. Fabregas, Van Persie and Diaby are also set to miss the Newcastle game, along with the game at Boro at the weekend.

Hleb’s absence on Wednesday could hand a start to Theo Walcott.