Arsenal Face Injury Crisis As Defender Ruled Out Until 2012

Arsenal are facing a defensive injury crises over the Christmas period after defender Andre Santos has been ruled out for three weeks.

Santos was stretchered off during the Gunners 3-1 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos on Tuesday night and the player has revealed he twisted his ankle and will be out for around three weeks:

“I twisted my ankle in a silly move. The doctor thinks I’ll be out for three weeks.”

The injury leaves Arsene Wenger without a recognised full back for key games over the busy festive period. Arsenal play Everton, Man City, Aston Villa, Wolves and QPR in December and currently have all four full backs on the treatement table.

Kieran Gibbs is still out with an ankle problem but may return in time to face Wolves on the 26th, while Bacary Sagna is still at least 8 weeks away from returning from a broken ankle. Youngster Carl Jenkinson is struggling to shake off a stress fracture in his back and its still unclear when he will be able to resume first team duties.

This leaves Wenger with an unwelcome headache and will either have to reshuffle his pack and play two centre backs out wide or bring in youngster Miquel, who impressed at left back against Olympiacos in midweek.