Francis Coquelin has already been ruled out of Arsenal’s must-win Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday amid fears that he is facing a lengthy absence with knee ligament damage.
The loss of Coquelin - who is Arsenal's outstanding defensive midfielder - represents a huge blow both in Europe and in the Premier League.
Arsenal must beat Zagreb at the Emirates on Tuesday to retain any hope of staying in the Champions League, with Mathieu Flamini now almost certain to start in the holding midfield position.
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Assessments on Coquelin are ongoing but the initial prognosis is of knee ligament damage. A timescale will become clearer on Monday - and Arsène Wenger will offer an update during a lunchtime press conference – but he is facing weeks and potentially even months out. He left the Hawthorns on Saturday on crutches.
The loss of Coquelin will renew focus on Arsenal’s injury record, although Saturday’s injury occurred against West Brom after a 50-50 tackle with Claudio Yacob. A long-term absence will also prompt further question of Wenger’s transfer strategy, with Arsenal turning down the chance to sign Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton at the start of the transfer window.
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