Arsenal defender Debuchy out for six weeks

Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has been ruled out for six weeks with his latest injury.

The Frenchman, back in action after a year out, went off after 16 minutes against Bournemouth with a hamstring injury and will now be sidelined until the new year.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed the news at a press conference on Friday morning, when he also confirmed that Danny Welbeck is training again but is “at least four weeks away from playing a game.”

England striker Welbeck is working his way back to fitness after a long-term knee problem.

“Mathieu Debuchy’s is a severe injury, yes. It’s six weeks I think,” Wenger said.

“It’s frustrating for me but even more for him because he fights very hard. He’s a guy with an exceptional attitude and is very serious.

“Overall, he is absolutely disappointed, but he is a fighter and will fight to come back.

“People asked why I didn’t play him sooner – for example against Paris St-Germain.

“I had the temptation to play him, but he had only played 70 minutes for the Under-23s.”

The news is a further blow for Arsenal after Santi Cazorla was ruled out for up to three months following ankle surgery.