Facing the media ahead of Saturday’s game against Swansea City, Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott will both be out until after the international break.

The two England internationals both came off injured in Tuesday night’s League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, leaving Arsenal short on options for the right flank with Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck already sidelined.

Oxlade-Chamberlain came off holding his hamstring after just a few minutes and, having replaced his teammate, Walcott followed him not 15 minutes later.

That means both players are definitely out of all three games in a huge week for the club. Saturday’s fixture against Swansea City comes at a crucial time with Arsenal level on points with Manchester City.

In midweek, the team face Bayern Munich. After a rocky start to this season’s Champions League campaign, Arsenal beat the Bundesliga champions less than two weeks ago to keep their hopes of qualifying alive. A point in Munich would be massive for our chances but is far less likely without a full squad to choose from.

Then, the following Sunday, Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League north London derby.

Three huge games, no real option for the right wing. Far from an ideal situation.

Wenger also said Walcott’s injury is more severe than Oxlade-Chamberlain’s, meaning Olivier Giroud is likely to be relied upon as our only striker for the foreseeable future.