Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed three players will be out of action for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Watford, while a further two were doubtful.

Left-back Nacho Monreal has been out with a back injury and won’t return in time to play against the Hornets. Wenger said: “Nacho Monreal is on a good way, he could be available again for next Thursday (Europa League clash with AC Milan).”

Right-back Hector Bellerin is another defender who will miss this weekend’s match-up. The fellow Spaniard has a knee injury but could return in time to face Milan. The Arsenal boss added: “Hector Bellerin, we don’t know yet, we have to see. He is not available for the weekend though.”

Striker Alexandre Lacazette is another player out for Sunday, having picked up a knee injury last month. “Alexandre Lacazette has his first run today but won’t be back until after the international break.”

Arsenal are also monitoring the situation of Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers, who have replaced Monreal and Bellerin in the defence.

The long-serving manager revealed: “Sead Kolasinac has an ankle problem but we don’t rule him out for Sunday yet. Calum Chambers had cramps, because he played in a position which he is not used to for a centre back. He should be okay, though.”

Arsenal have a lot of injuries to their defence ahead of Watford’s trip to the Emirates. The Gunners will be desperate to win, having lost in the reverse fixture, with the Hornets’ captain suggesting Arsenal didn’t show enough guts at Vicarage Road.

Wenger’s men are nine points ahead of Watford in the table, although they’ve lost their last three Premier League outings. However, a surprise Europa League win away to AC Milan might be the confidence boost they need to exact their revenge on Watford.