Welbeck doubt for Gunners

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck (thigh) is a doubt for the Barclays Premier League trip to Southampton on New Year’s Day.

Forward Olivier Giroud continues to serve a three-match suspension, so Theo Walcott or Lukas Podolski could come into the attack.

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky is expected back in the squad having been rested for the midweek win at West Ham, but Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Mikel Arteta (calf), Mesut Ozil (knee), Abou Diaby (calf), Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Serge Gnabry (knee) all remain sidelined.

Provisional Squad: Szczesny, Debuchy, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Coquelin, Flamini, Rosicky, Cazorla, Sanchez, Welbeck, Ospina, Walcott, Podolski, Monreal, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chambers, Campbell, Akpom.