Arsene Wenger admits that Theo Walcott’s injury has “accelerated” his plans in the January transfer window.

The England international has been ruled out for at least six months after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

While Wenger says the news could affect his plans, he emphasised that the Tottenham game showed the options already at his disposal.

"Up front we lose Theo as a potential central forward and that's maybe where we have to look outside" Arsene Wenger

“[Walcott’s injury] has accelerated speculation first and of course my desire as well - but let's not forget about Serge Gnabry who can play in the first team,” he told Arsenal Player.

“We have Oxlade-Chamberlain back and we have many other players who can play on the flanks so to find better solutions than what we have internally will not be easy.

“Up front we lose Theo as a potential central forward and that's maybe where we have to look outside. But we hopefully have Bendtner back in three weeks. We are there for the opportunities but it's very difficult at the moment.”

Wenger was delighted with Gnabry’s performance against Tottenham and believes the teenager has a bright future ahead of him.

“I integrated him into the first team a long time ago because I see that the qualities are there,” he said.

“He looked to have problems with injuries last season but he was already very influential in the NextGen Series and this season he has grown. He's only 18 years of age and what he shows is encouraging.”