Arsenal's Theo Walcott ruled out with hamstring injury

Walcott's season has been blighted by shoulder and knee injuries

Arsenal have suffered another injury setback with the news that Theo Walcott will miss Saturday's visit of Stoke after picking up a hamstring injury.

The England winger returned from a knee problem to play the second half of Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Chelsea.

Walcott, 20, missed the start of the campaign with a shoulder complaint and has not completed a match this season.

Arsenal say the injury is "short term" but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is also without the suspended Alex Song.

Wenger is boosted by the return of right-back Bacary Sagna, who missed Wednesday's Carling Cup defeat by Manchester City with an ankle problem.

But Gael Clichy (back), Abou Diaby (calf) and Nicklas Bendtner (groin) remain on the sidelines, while Robin van Persie (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) are long-term absentees.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Arsenal's latest injury setback

"We had Sagna out injured but, normally, he will be available," said Wenger. "However, Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.

"As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about.

"But the players who looked to be shorter - like Clichy, Diaby and Bendtner - will not be available. And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend.

"Kieran is doing very well. I had him on the phone and it looked to be completely fine.

"I have not talked to Robin yet but there again the news I got from the surgery was it went very, very well."