With Arsenal facing a striker crisis ahead of their game against Southampton on New Year’s Day, it had been speculated that Yaya Sanogo could get a run out.

That won’t be happening, however, as the forward is out with yet another hamstring problem. This latest injury comes on the back of a problem he had with his wisdom teeth which kept him sidelined until he managed to pull his hammy.

Speaking to the press, Wenger revealed the problems the Frenchman had been suffering.

He said, “Sanogo is out at the moment. He had wisdom teeth out but that’s not the problem now – he’s got a hamstring injury.

“The wisdom teeth were infected and he was under antibiotics for a long time. We did it when we thought we had a little break between the Liverpool and QPR games.”

Sanogo is expected to go out on loan for the rest of the season with a number of clubs eyeing up a move for the youngster. Bordeaux are said to be the favourites but Wenger is keen for his free transfer to get some much-needed Premier League experience.

He added

“I would prefer him to go to a Premier League club. He is a goal-scorer and he’s not frightened. He’s a guy who is naturally aggressive and, in the modern game, that’s a vital quality.”

Crystal Palace are one of the Premier League clubs heavily interested in taking him for the rest of the season but it remains to be seen if Alan Padew, their incoming manager, will be as keen to sign him as the previous regime.