BLAME GAME: Wenger talks too much football [GETTY]

The Gunners have suffered from an appalling number of setbacks this campaign, which saw them face Besiktas of Turkey twice in the first 11 days.

Wenger said: “Let’s not forget we played eight Champions League games since start of season.

“When bodies are not really prepared you go from Besiktas to Everton. Is it the only explanation (for some of the injuries), otherwise I don’t know.

“I believe 2015 can be very exciting if we get injured players back and have a good run. Top four is always the minimum required but we have Champions League, FA Cup, and the Premier League, where we want to come back to a stronger position and I think we will.”

The north Londoners have reported a staggering FORTY-TWO injuries since the beginning of August, plenty of them serious ones, including Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Mathieu Debuchy.

But Theo Walcott, who has made just two substitute appearances since suffering a major knee problem almost a year ago against Tottenham - having picked up a groin strain when he first returned - could be back in action against QPR on Boxing Day.

“He has been missed because he’s a top quality player, a team player and when got injured was in fantastic form,” said Wenger. “He is as quick as he was believe me. I see it in training.”

Wenger also said he was happy to see striker Charlie Austin flourishing at Rangers.

Austin has 11 goals for the west Londoners and scored a hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-2 home win over West Brom.

“It’s good to see that an English striker who had played in lower divisions has managed to come up,” added Wenger.

“That shows mental strength and tenacity, and that is important at top level. It could encourage the idea that there could be other players down there who are good enough to come up to Premier League but don’t get a chance.”