Danny Welbeck faces lengthy absence after suspected groin tear

Danny Welbeck is facing yet another lengthy absence from the Arsenal team after limping off in the 73rd minute of their goalless draw against Chelsea with a suspected groin tear.

The England forward’s return to form had been one of the big positives for Arsenal so far this season but, after missing one excellent first-half chance, he was clearly in some pain when he left the pitch during the second half. He was walking awkwardly and holding the top of his thigh as he came off.

Welbeck also missed eight months last year with a knee cartilage injury that required surgery and, in this World Cup season, will now be anxiously awaiting the results of a scan. “It looks like it's a 'good' groin problem - not an easy one,” said Wenger.

Wenger was already without Mesut Ozil following what Arsenal say is a “minor” knee injury, although he does have Alexis Sanchez now approaching full fitness again as well as the attacking options of Alexandre Lacazette, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.

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Sanchez’s body language, however, is again under scrutiny following the emergence of pictures showing him grasping team-mate David Ospina on the bench and apparently smiling when Lacazette missed an easy first-half chance.

Wenger felt encouraged by the character his team showed in largely negating Chelsea and, even allowing for away defeats already at Stoke and Liverpool, believes that it is a continuation of last season.

“People forget we beat Chelsea in the Cup final two months ago,” he said. “We've shown that quality many times. When you deliver the kind of performance we had at Liverpool, you have to accept the criticism. You can only respond on the pitch and we did that with attitude and determination. It was vital for us to come out with a solid performance.”

Chelsea had previously scored in their last 23 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, with Wenger especially satisfied to see such resilience away from The Emirates.

“The challenge was higher at their ground, where they're traditionally very strong,” he said. “I feel it was a deserved point. With a bit more freedom we could have won this game.”