Nicklas Bendtner out of North London derby

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled Nicklas Bendtner out of Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dane scored as a substitute in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Cardiff City on New Year's Day, but picked up an ankle injury in the process.

Wenger told reporters: "It's an ankle sprain and it doesn't look too good in fairness. For Saturday he is definitely out already but it is too early to say how long he will be out for."

Oliver Giroud also has an ankle problem and is unavailable for the second North London derby of the season, but Wenger appears to be reluctant to enter the transfer market in search of new attacking options.

The manager added: "Let's not go too early on the transfer front. We will assess Giroud and let's hope we have good news on Bendtner as well."

Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are the likely contenders to lead Arsenal's forward line against Spurs.