Football
ESPN staff 9y

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy ruled out for three months

Arsenal have confirmed that Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy will both be out of action for three months.

Arteta, 32, last played for the Gunners against Borussia Dortmund on Nov. 26, but damaged his calf during the game.

The club released a statement on their official website on Thursday afternoon that the Spaniard "has undergone surgery to his left ankle to remove a bony spur, which has been causing the captain significant inflammation and discomfort over recent months.

"The procedure went well and Mikel will now begin a period of rehabilitation which is expected to last approximately three months."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "Mikel has had surgery which went well. I have just seen him, he is back with us at the training ground.

"He had a limited mobility in his ankle and some persistent inflammation that had an impact on his calf. That meant we had to make the decision to have surgery and it's a proper solution which gives him the best chance to recover."

Wenger also confirmed reports earlier in the week that defender Mathieu Debuchy would be on the treatment table for three months after the France international dislocated his shoulder against Stoke on Sunday.

The boss told the club's official website: "Mathieu had a surgery on his right shoulder following the injury on Sunday. It's very unfortunate for Mathieu, it's unbelievable because he's had two surgeries in the same season.

"He just came back, he played seven games and he's out again. I count three months out for Mathieu because contact will be a problem for the shoulder."

There was some good news, with Kieran Gibbs back in training on Friday after a heel injury -- but there remains no firm return date for Danny Welbeck as he recovers from a thigh problem.

^ Back to Top ^