Arsenal were dealt a huge blow before the Man City game on Sunday when Mikel Arteta was ruled out through injury. However, it has now emerged that the midfielder is expected to be out for at least three weeks with a calf strain.

Having played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign up until Sunday, Arteta will be a big loss for the team, having been one of the more consistent and better performers for Arsenal so far, in what has been a disappointing season.

Undesirable Options

With Arteta out injured, Wenger opted to start Diaby, who has only recently returned from a three month layoff, and his lack of match fitness was evident to see at the weekend. However, with Arteta sidelined for the next handful of games, it looks like Diaby could continue playing in that role.

Though Diaby is one possible option to replace Arteta in the centre of the midfield, Wenger could also call on Ramsey or Rosicky, who strangely hasn’t figured since the Bradford match in December. While a start for Ramsey may disgruntle some fans, it would be a welcome sight to see Rosicky playing again, given the fast, attacking play he can bring to the team.

A New Replacement?

There is hope, that with this injury to Arteta, and following the dismal defeat to Man City, that Arsenal may enter the transfer market, and Wenger has hinted that he may be tempted to enter. However, he has acknowledged that it won’t be easy, saying:

“We are in the market, but to find players of the calibre of Arteta in January, I wish you good luck.”

So, in other words, as Arsenal fans know all too well by now, that means no.

We can only hope he returns to the side quickly, as Wenger points out "It is a blow because in midfield he gives us experience, stability and tactical knowledge”.

In what is a busy period for Arsenal, with 6 games in the next three weeks, a player with the quality of Arteta will be sorely missed.

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