• Premier League

Podolski to miss north London derby

ESPN staff
August 28, 2013
Lukas Podolski will miss the first North London derby of the season © Getty Images
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Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has been ruled out for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Podolski was taken off in the second half of the Gunners' 2-0 Champions League qualification win over Fenerbahce, and manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the Germany international will be sidelined for some time.

"That's a negative of tonight," said Wenger. "We paid a heavy price on the injury front because we lost Podolski. Podolski is definitely out for 21 days."

In more positive news for Arsenal, Jack Wilshere appears to have emerged unscathed from some heavy challenges during the match and should play in the north London derby on Sunday.

"I don't know how Wilshere [will] respond to an ankle problem. We have to check that [on Wednesday]," Wenger said.

"The two tackles on Wilshere were disappointing. I cannot change it now. He looks alright. Jack should be alright for Sunday."

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