Arsène Wenger has given Arsenal.com the latest team news ahead of the visit of Watford, and it’s more positive than expected.

On Tuesday evening, injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel left the Gunners with a centre-half pairing of Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal but Wenger shouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measure this weekend.

Watford visit the Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup quarter-final, but Gabriel and Mertesacker should both be fit.

HULL, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Gabriel Paulista of Arsenal checks on Per Mertesacker of Arsenal after a clash of heads during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Replay match between Hull City and Arsenal at KC Stadium on March 8, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Per Mertesacker had to go off after a clash of heads in the 4-0 defeat of Hull City. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“Mertesacker and Gabriel are very positive, there is nothing wrong there, they are both good,” said the boss. There was also some good news on Laurent Koscielny, who wasn’t expected to be available as soon as this weekend.

“He is not far, he will have tests until Sunday, but it could come too soon. He has a little chance.”

Aaron Ramsey also picked up an injury in the 4-0 win on Tuesday, clutching his thigh and signalling for a substitution before heading straight down the tunnel. There are various reports on the midfielder, but it appears we will have to wait a little longer before Arsenal know exactly how long he is likely to be out.

“There is a small alert,” Wenger said. “We don’t know how bad it is.”

The game comes too soon for Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Petr Čech but all three players could return after the international break.

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