Share

Arteta out for rest of season

London - Arsenal's Mikel Arteta will miss the rest of the season but does not need ankle surgery, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

The Spaniard has been one of Arsenal's best players in their surge to third place in the Premier League but they will miss him for the final four games of the season.

"It is season over for him but he doesn't need surgery, which is what we were scared of," Wenger said at a news conference ahead of Saturday's crucial home game against sixth-placed Chelsea.

"So he will be out for six to eight weeks. It is an ankle problem but just a sprain."

Better news for Arsenal is the return to the squad of midfielder Abou Diaby, who has made just three appearances this season after a succession of injuries.

"We still have to be a bit cautious with him because we had so many setbacks. If all goes well he will be in the squad," Wenger said.

Arsenal's surprise home defeat by Wigan Athletic on Monday left them five points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United and seven clear of Chelsea, all of whom have a game in hand on the Gunners.

Third place guarantees an automatic spot in the group phase of next season's Champions League while finishing fourth would mean a tricky playoff.

"I don't know (how many more wins we need), we just want to win the next one," Wenger said. "I believe our target is just that. We have to think that we have been on a great run, we have a fantastic opportunity but we also just need to focus on the next game and win it."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1230 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1423 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2161 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE