Arsene Wenger concerned over Arsenal's growing injury list

Arsene Wenger has revealed he is increasingly concerned by Arsenal's growing injury list.

Laurent Koscielny has an “80 per cent chance” of making Sunday’s north London derby against Spurs after picking up a hip problem prior to the Gunners’ Champions League humiliation 5-1 at Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

Reserve keeper David Ospina is due to return to training today after a shoulder injury.

But other players on the sidelines include Hector Bellerin (groin), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring), Theo Walcott (calf), Mikel Arteta (ankle/foot), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Tomas Rosicky (knee) and Danny Welbeck (knee).

Wenger said: “I am very concerned, honestly, because we are only in November and to have so many players out knowing we go into the Christmas period soon, I am concerned. At the moment we have too many players out.”

Mathieu Debuchy, given a torrid time by Bayern's wingers during the Bayern defeat, will once again play against Spurs with Bellerin out.

Wenger added: “Mathieu needed a little competition. Game after game he has basic fitness and now with another game he should be better. Bellerin unfortunately will not be ready, I think he could be back after the break.”

Wenger faces a Spurs team on Sunday fresh from a 2-1 win over Anderlecht in the Europa League last night and undefeated since losing to Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season.

Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive record over their north London rivals during the last two decades under Wenger.

But the Frenchman believes they are closing the gap with their plans for a new stadium and their exciting young team under Mauricio Pochettino. He said: “They are a threat every year since I am here.

“They are always in my memory, in the last 20 years, they always had very strong teams and lets not forget that some periods we were eight nine points behind them in April so they have very strong teams.

“This year they are younger, they work very hard and they will be a tough opponent again - they are every year.”

Wenger has moved to cool relations with Wales boss Chris Coleman over injured Aaron Ramsey.