LONDON • Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Joel Campbell could play a big role in the coming weeks as the Gunners try to cope with a slew of injuries.

England midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott both came off early in a 3-0 League Cup defeat by Championship (second-tier) club Sheffield Wednesday in midweek and will be out until after next month's international break.

Striker Danny Welbeck as well as midfielders Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are also unavailable.

As such, Wenger's biggest dilemma ahead of today's Premier League clash at Swansea is his midfield selection.

The Frenchman is reluctant to disrupt his formation too much by moving Santi Cazorla from the centre. That makes Costa Rica international Campbell an option on the right wing, and he could get his first Premier League start for the club at the Liberty Stadium.

"I have another 24 hours to make that decision," Wenger said at a press conference yesterday.

"I have been very impressed with (Campbell). His attitude is outstanding. His daily dedication in training and his desire to improve is absolutely outstanding.

"He can be a big help for us and he can play centre-forward - don't forget that. In the coming two to three months, he can be a very important player for us."

Should Cazorla move to the flank, however, Mathieu Flamini is likely to come in alongside Francis Coquelin. One thing is certain: Arsenal will not underestimate a Swansea side who did the double over them last season.

Said Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We know that when we are at our best, we can give anyone a game in this league and we'll need to be at that level on Saturday."

REUTERS

SWANSEA V ARSENAL

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