• Premier League

Fabianski officially ruled out for the rest of the season

ESPN staff
February 3, 2011
Lukasz Fabianski has played his last game of the 2010-11 campaign © PA Photos
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Arsene Wenger has confirmed fears that Lukasz Fabianski's season is over due to a shoulder injury.

Fabianski picked up the problem during the warm-up before the Manchester City clash and has been out of action ever since, with Wojciech Szczesny deputising in his absence.

News of Fabianski's unavailability deals a blow to Arsenal's title chances as, although Szczesny has impressed since coming in, he is a veteran of just 11 first-team appearances.

"We had bad news for Lukasz Fabianski because he needs surgery on his shoulder," Wenger said. "He has decided after having seen a few specialists that he will have surgery in Germany. It means his season is over."

The door is now open for Manuel Almunia to make a remarkable return to the Gunners' first-team, just weeks after he appeared set to leave London. The Spaniard has been relegated to third-choice at Emirates Stadium after losing his place following an error-strewn display against West Bromwich Albion earlier in the season.

"The competition for the places at the moment will be between Wojciech and Almunia," he said. "Wojciech will play the next game."

Midfielder Alex Song will not feature against Newcastle on Saturday due to a thigh complaint, but Theo Walcott has recovered from a minor ankle knock picked up in the midweek win over Everton.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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