Despite being left as the only fully fit central midfielder after Aaron Ramsey’s latest setback, the Spaniard believes that the Gunners are capable of “dealing with it”

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is unconcerned by the club’s depleted midfield options and insists that Arsene Wenger’s side will “deal with it”.

The Gunners saw Mathieu Flamini sent off in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Southampton, which could prompt their usurpation at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday, while Aaron Ramsey has suffered a new thigh injury, Jack Wilshere has lingering ankle issues and Arteta himself has also spent time on the sidelines this season.

Wenger is believed to have made an enquiry for Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi as he seeks to replenish his midfield options but the Spaniard is confident that his side can work around their problems despite a demanding run of upcoming fixtures.

“That happens and we have to deal with it,” Arteta told the press. “The schedule is really busy now – we have some really tough games coming up in the next two weeks and we have to deal with it and do our best.

“We had many options but that is one problem that we have had in the last few weeks. We have had a lot of injuries, losing Theo Walcott for a long time, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is just coming back … too many.

“Tomas Rosicky, as well, was out for a couple of weeks with his nose so we are a bit short at the moment but hopefully we can get people back.

“We can’t do anything [about other teams] – it doesn’t depend on us. There is a long way to go.

“Everyone is going to drop points and some will do so at Southampton because it is a very tough place to come. Hopefully we will be fine.”