Double injury blow for Arsenal

Arsenal have received a double blow with centre-backs Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny ruled out until January.

Vermaelen has been out of action since September due to an Achilles tendon injury sustained on Euro 2012 qualifying duty for Belgium.

Some reports had suggested that the 25-year-old was nearing a return to first-team football, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he expects to be without the defender until the start of 2011.

“Vermaelen is in a (protective) boot,” Wenger said.

“We want him back and I hope he will be back soon, but not before January.”

Vermaelen’s delayed return has been compounded by a concussion sustained by Koscielny in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday.

The Frenchman was stretched off after a clash of heads and is also set for a spell on the sidelines as a result.

“The medical team inform me he (Koscielny) has picked up concussion and could be out for three weeks,” Wenger added.

Arsenal face Partizan Belgrade at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League on Wednesday.