Arsenal confirm signing of Basel midfielder Elneny

With midfield trio Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin out injured, the 23-year-old Egyptian is a welcome addition to Wenger's squad and will provide some much-needed defensive cover.

"He has joined us and we will see if he can qualify for Sunday," Wenger told the BBC after Wednesday's 3-3 league draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Elneny is eligible to play in the Champions League and cost Arsenal an initial 5 million pounds ($7.2 million), according to reports in the British media.

(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru)