Another injury blow for Gibbs

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has been ruled out of action for another month after undergoing surgery on his groin.

The 22 year-old left-back had previously been unavailable for the club with a hernia problem, but this latest setback will further compound Arsene Wenger’s defensive injury woes.

The coach is also without Brazilian left-back Andre Santos, who could be on the sidelines for up to three months with ankle ligament damage, whilst Bacary Sagna is yet to return from a broken leg sustained in October’s north London derby defeat.

Wenger told reporters on Friday: “Kieran Gibbs has had surgery on his left groin and he will be out for a month.”

Thomas Vermaelen is likely to continue deputising on the left-flank until Gibbs’ return for Arsenal, although the French boss has refused to rule out a January move for a replacement full-back.