Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he could "gamble" on the fitness of several of his key players in this weekend's clash against champions Leicester.

The Gunners kicked off their season with a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool amidst a mounting injury crisis, which has left Wenger short of options, particularly in central defence.

The Frenchman has been fiercely criticised in the wake of the loss to Jurgen Klopp's side and is under pressure not to lose any more early ground on Arsenal's title rivals.

Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny all featured in the latter stages of Euro 2016 and are not yet fully fit, having been afforded additional time off.

But Wenger is now considering rushing the trio back this weekend in an effort to secure a positive result at the King Power Stadium.

“Maybe I will take a gamble on bringing them back early but I have 48 hours to decide," Wenger told his pre-match press conference.

Of the trio, Koscielny appears the most likely candidate Wenger could play given that Calum Chambers and Rob Holding are the only alternatives.

Olivier Giroud's return would also provide a much-needed physical presence up front after Alexis Sanchez struggled in a central role last weekend.

Aaron Ramsey also featured in the latter stages of the tournament in France this summer but returned for the opening day defeat to Liverpool.

However, the Welshman suffered an injury and Wenger has now confirmed Ramsey is set to be sideline until after the next international break in September.