Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'Shkodran Mustafi close to return'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that Shkodran Mustafi should be back in contention for the upcoming Christmas schedule.

Since October 1, Mustafi has only played five games for the Gunners due to separate injuries, with his latest setback coming in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at the start of the month.

With Mustafi and Per Mertesacker not featuring against West Ham United in midweek, Wenger was forced to revert to a back four and he has hinted that Saturday's encounter with Newcastle United may come too soon for the German international.

The Frenchman told reporters: "Basically Mustafi is back in training but I don't know if I will include him. A bit of a gamble."

Mustafi has made just 10 starts for Arsenal in all competitions this season.