Arsene Wenger had initially been hoping that Cole, who has been out with a fractured bone in his foot since early October, could be fit for the festive programme.

However, he has now revealed the left-back will not return until January at the earliest, while Clichy is facing up to four months on the sidelines with a similar injury.

“Gael Clichy had surgery last night. The only thing I can say at this stage is the earliest it will be is three months, reasonably four months,” said Wenger.

“As for Ashley Cole, the earliest he will be back is the beginning of January.”

Wenger has so far used centre-back Pascal Cygan as an emergency left-back, although Lauren came on as a substitute for the Frenchman in the midweek win against FC Thun.

Cygan is nevertheless set to be fit for Saturday’s home game against Blackburn, while Arsenal’s emergency left-back cover will also be tested out by the likes of Bolton, Newcastle, Chelsea and Portsmouth in December.

The Gunners then face United on January 2 before the FA Cup third round the following weekend, when Cole may attempt his comeback.

On a brighter note, midfielder Alexander Hleb could be ready to return to action after a knee injury for the final Champions League group tie on December 7.

Jens Lehmann and Gilberto should also return after resting back and ankle injuries respectively for the midweek game against FC Thun.

Alexandre Song and Emmanuel Eboue also face fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s game due to knee injuries sustained in the Champions League win in Switzerland.

Wenger told the club’s website, www.arsenal.com: “If all goes well, I could give Hleb a start against Ajax, so that looks good. Gilberto and Jens Lehmann will be available on Saturday.

“Alex Song has knee problem but he looks quite good and should be available for Reading [in the Carling Cup on Tuesday]. Emmanuel Eboue had a knock but he should be all right.”