Wenger without key players ahead of new season

Arsenal's are set to be without injured Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos and Abou Diaby until at least October, Arsene Wenger has…

Arsenal's are set to be without injured Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos and Abou Diaby until at least October, Arsene Wenger has revealed.

Clichy (foot), Senderos (shoulder) and Diaby (ankle) are making good progress in their respective comebacks but are set to miss the first six weeks of the season.

Diaby, who suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle in May, is recovering well but will not be rushed back. Gunners boss Wenger said: "He is in front of what we expected for him. But it is November at the earliest for him.

"In fact the news is quite good for Diaby, Clichy and Senderos. But the first (of these) players will be back in October, not before."

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Freddie Ljungberg is almost certain to miss Arsenal's Premiership opener against Aston Villa, but Wenger hopes his ankle injury will not hamper him too much after that.

"Ljungberg is doing well," the Gunners boss told his club's official website. "He may not be there for the first game of the season but (he will be there) early, around the start."

Meanwhile, boss Wenger has confirmed striker Thierry Henry and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will play no part in Arsenal's Champions League qualifying round first-leg tie next week.

Lehmann is suspended following his red card in last season's Champions League final, while Henry will return to pre-season training today.

Wenger said: "Jens is suspended, and Thierry will be short as well. He comes back on August 2nd, so it is very short until August 9th."