Wenger confirms Arsenal star midfielder will miss Chelsea clash

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has confirmed midfielder Aaron Ramsey will miss the game against Chelsea this weekend, as well as the Champions League tie with Basel next week. 

The 25-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during the north Londoners’ opening day defeat to Liverpool, but was reportedly hoping to return to fitness in time to face Antonio Conte’s troops. 

READ ALSO: Thierry Henry predicts this season’s Premier League champions 

The Gunners host the Blues at Emirates Stadium this weekend with Arsenal favourites to take all three points. 

However, speaking ahead of the game, Wenger revealed that Ramsey is still some way off full fitness after suffering a minor setback. 

"Aaron Ramsey is still struggling with his hamstring and I don’t think he’ll be available for Basel or Burnley. He won’t be available before the break," said Wenger 

"We have had a few disappointments with him - we thought he was close to joining again. He’s not far off. It’s nothing major but I’m a bit more cautious than I would be. 

"He has a small grade one hamstring strain but he’s not completely free in his mind to push completely. 

"We stop him every time when he has a little pain. He is in the last days of his rehab but as long as he’s not completely comfortable, we don’t push him."