Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey will return from a hamstring injury very early next month, but Spanish defender Nacho Monreal has been ruled for ten days.

Arsene Wenger has said that he expects Ramsey to recover from his hamstring problem by the start of January. The Welsh midfielder picked up the injury during the 1-1 draw with Southampton, but could be back in time to face Chelsea in the league.

However, it appears that defender Nacho Monreal is the latest to pick up a knock. In his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Wenger said the Spaniard will be out for 10 days.

Monreal went off at half-time during the 3-3 draw with Liverpool last Friday. The 31-year-old has been in decent form for Arsenal this season, and kept his place in the heart of the defence after Wenger returned to using a back four.

While this isn’t a great time to pick up an injury, Arsenal should be well covered. Shkodran Mustafi has returned after his injury, and Wenger has the options of Per Mertesacker, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding.

A 10-day injury will keep Monreal out of the upcoming games against Crystal Palace, West Brom, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. However, he could return in time for the Carabao Cup semi-final.