Podolski faces three-week injury lay-off

Arsenal will be without Lukas Podolski for three weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The Germany international was withdrawn in the second half of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

“That’s a negative of tonight,” said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after the match. “We paid a heavy price on the injury front because we lost Podolski.

“Podolski is definitely out for 21 days.”

Jack Wilshere also suffered an injury scare during the match, which saw Arsenal reach the group stages of the competition for the 16th year in a row.

Wenger, though, revealed that the England midfielder “should” be fit for the north London derby with Tottenham on Sunday, despite hurting his ankle.

“I don’t know how Wilshere (will) respond to an ankle problem. We have to check that (on Wednesday),” the Frenchman continued.

“The two tackles on Wilshere were disappointing. I cannot change it now. He looks alright.

“Jack should be alright for Sunday.”

When asked whether the injuries to Wilshere and Podolski could force Arsenal’s hand in the transfer market, Wenger remained coy.

“We have to see how bad the injuries are,” he added. “I cannot tell you more than we are on the market.

“The whole world knows that now.

“I cannot be more creative than that in the press conferences because all has been said and nothing has been concluded yet. I can understand your questions but I cannot give you more answers at the moment.”