Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gave a complete update on the fitness level of his players ahead of Saturday’s game against West Bromwich Albion revealing how defender Thomas Vermaelen will miss two more games at the back.

On Thursday, the Frenchman explained how the only player returning from injury is midfielder Abou Diaby who will be assessed today to evaluate his level. Defender Kieran Gibbs will of course be missing after the injury he suffered in the North London Derby with Cesc Fabregas – like the Belgian – also set to miss the next two games.

With the Gunners travelling to Serbia next week for the Champions League game against FK Partizan, Wenger will of course hope to have the defender and the captain back for the big game at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

The Arsenal boss concluded by saying how Sebastien Squillaci will be fit to feature and revealed how midfielders Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Eboue are fresh injury concerns after suffering knocks in the Carling Cup game on Tuesday.

Ahead of Saturday, Wenger said:

The only player who could come back is Diaby. He will have a test on Friday morning and we will see from there.

Kieran Gibbs is a major doubt of course but we are just happy that he has not broken his foot. He will be short-term, maybe Tuesday, we don’t know but we will see. It is only bone bruising, there does not look to be any ligament damage. Let’s hope.

Thomas Vermaelen will be out for the next two games. Cesc Fabregas is out 100 per cent for the next two games. We have a small hope he could be back against Chelsea.

Song is back after suspension. I rested Squillaci because he had a small muscle problem but he should be back.

We have some problems about Rosicky with his ankle and with Eboue’s knee. They will both have a fitness test tomorrow.