Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confident team can cope without Shkodran Mustafi

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that his defensive cover are more than capable of stepping in following Shkodran Mustafi's injury blow.

The 24-year-old is expected to be out of action for at least three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury just 25 minutes into the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Arsenal.

Mustafi has formed a solid partnership with Laurent Koscielny, but now Gabriel Paulista and Rob Holding are expected to fill the void during the busy festive period.

"We have Gabriel and we have Holding who can come in for him, and I'm confident they can come in for him and do well," Wenger said in Monday's press conference. "That's one of the tests, but we've had many tests this season."

Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League table, three points adrift of Chelsea.