• Premier League

Arsenal lose Andre Santos for three months

ESPN staff
December 12, 2011
Andre Santos © PA Photos
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Arsenal have been dealt a blow with the news defender Andre Santos is facing up to three months on the sidelines following ankle surgery.

The full back picked up an injury during the Champions League defeat to Olympiakos last Tuesday. The initial diagnosis was that he would be out for at least three weeks, but that proved a conservative estimate as he will be out until March at the earliest.

"Andre will have surgery in Brazil this week and is expected to be out for around three months," read a statement from Arsenal. "Everyone at the club wishes him well."

Arsenal have a deepening defensive crisis, with Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson already sidelined at right back, and Kieran Gibbs still a few weeks away from returning to the first team on the other flank.

Gunners boss Arsenal Wenger deployed four centre backs against Everton at the weekend and versatility will be required in the coming weeks, while it remains to be seen if Arsenal make a raid on the market in January.

More to follow

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