Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey faces longer period out

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Aaron Ramsey will remain injured for the next four to six weeks after a setback in training.

Ramsey, 23, has been a star for Arsenal this season as they lead the Premier League after 23 matches. However, the Welshman has been missing for a few weeks with a thigh injury and was expected to return against Southampton last night.

The bad news was delivered by Wenger, though, as he confirmed what Arsenal fans had been fearing.

“Ramsey is out for longer than we expected,” Wenger said. “He had a little setback in training, it’s the same muscle.”

It is a huge blow to Wenger who watched his side let a lead slip at Southampton to draw two points and give Manchester City the chance to take top spot in the Premier League.

The Saints took a first-half lead through Jose Fonte but were pegged back early in the second half by a neat Olivier Giroud flick. Santi Cazorla continued his excellent spell with another goal to put Arsenal in front, but Adam Lallana popped up just a couple of minutes later at the other end to even the spoils.

Ramsey has missed the last five matches and only Mesut Ozil had created more than his 26 chances before his injury.