• Premier League

Arteta suffers season KO

ESPN staff
April 19, 2012
Mikel Arteta limped off against Wigan on Monday © Getty Images
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Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has been ruled out for the rest of the season having sustained ankle ligament damage in the defeat to Wigan on Monday.

Arteta rolled his ankle when attempting to cross the ball early in the match, and was unable to continue. As there was no stoppage when he left the field, Arsenal were temporarily reduced to ten men - and during that period the Latics scored their second, decisive, goal.

The injury to the former Everton man gives Gunners boss Arsene Wenger a selection headache ahead of the crucial clash against Chelsea at the weekend. Yossi Benayoun is ineligible to play as he is on loan from the Blues, while Jack Wilshere is out for the season and Abou Diaby lacks match fitness.

Aaron Ramsey is expected to be used in a central role, having been employed high on the left at times in recent weeks, with Gervinho slotting in for Benayoun on the wing.

Arteta has proved an integral part of the Arsenal team since joining from Everton in August, scoring six goals in 29 Premier League appearances. Wenger would have wanted him available for the Chelsea match, given that the Gunners can hardly afford to lose as they aim to secure a Champions League place next season.

If Arsenal were to taste defeat against Chelsea, their top-four destiny would be out of their hands, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United able to leapfrog them.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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