Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes injuries cannot be used as an excuse in football as they are simply part of the game.

On the weekend the Gunners lost midfield duo Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta to an ever-growing injury list during the 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion but Flamini believes the squad is deep enough to deal with their absences.

"Of course, it's never easy but it's part of the game," Flamini said.

"The season is very long, it's always like that, and you have to face the problems and the injuries.

"But to win titles, you don't win it with 11 players, you need 25, and everyone has to play a role during the competitions. With such competitions and so many games, you need everyone ready.

"But sometimes you have to face reality, and injuries are part of football and part of the title race."