Gibbs blow for Gunners

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal against Standard Liege.

The young defender has only just recovered from a foot injury picked up while playing for the England under-21s but this one is much more serious and the player has already undergone surgery to repair the break.

Gibbs is now facing a lengthy spell out, while boss Arsene Wenger has also been rocked by the news William Gallas has picked up an ankle injury, although the Frenchman is expected to be fit to face Chelsea.

"Gallas has an ankle problem and a swollen eye. I think he will recover from the eye, and from the ankle we hope so [in time for Chelsea]," said Wenger.

"Gibbs is much more serious. It was a very bad challenge, and it was not the player's first try. We have to X-ray him and I think he has gone to hospital to check because he has a big hole in his leg.

"He doesn't look too good, and that is unfortunate."