Arsene Wenger ‘very concerned’ by Arsenal’s growing injury crisis ahead of busy Christmas schedule

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is convinced his squad can quickly recover from their Champions League humiliation at Bayern Munich by beating Tottenham - but admits the growing injury crisis is a concern.

The Gunners were thumped 5-1 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night to leave hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages slim.

Although centre-half Laurent Koscielny is expected to be available for Sunday's north London derby following a hip problem and goalkeeper David Ospina could also be in the squad after shoulder trouble, Wenger confirmed right-back Hector Bellerin would not be featuring until at least after the international break because of a groin injury.

Captain Mikel Arteta faces a late fitness test on his ankle, but forward Theo Walcott, midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and forward Danny Welbeck all continue their rehabilitation.

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

Wenger, though, believes the side he will be able to select on Sunday can continue the form which has seen Arsenal move level on points with leaders Manchester City in the Premier League standings following five successive victories.

"It was a disappointing result on Wednesday night, but before that we did extremely well in the Premier League so we will try to continue from one competition from the other," Wenger said.

"I believe that in the Premier League we have a strong confidence and focus and that is what we want to reproduce on Sunday against Tottenham. It is always a game where the commitment and nervous force will be important."