Four weeks out for Coquelin

Arsenal will be without midfielder Francis Coquelin for up to four weeks because of a hamstring injury, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

Coquelin was injured during the first half of Arsenal's 3-3 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and Wenger does not expect him to play again this month.

"Coquelin is out for three to four weeks with a hamstring problem. He has a scan today," Wenger told reporters ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Preston.

After a busy Christmas and New Year period which saw the Gunners play three games in nine days, Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny will be rested for the trip to Deepdale, while striker Lucas Perez is a slight doubt due to an ankle injury.

"We might have a problem with Lucas Perez because he has injured his ankle and we will have to see how he responds to that," Wenger confirmed.

"I haven't decided on the team yet. It depends on everyone's fitness levels but we will play with around 90% of the first team squad.

"I will rest Alexis Sanchez and Mezut Ozil, who is coming in today after having been in bed for two weeks with a suspected throat infection.

"Apart from that, everyone else will play as the FA cup is a big priority for us."

Striker Danny Welbeck has returned to training and could make his first appearance since May.

"I have not decided yet whether Welbeck will play against Preston. His fitness is at a good level but we want to give him a few games with the Under-23s first," Wenger confirmed.

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