Coqulein out for eight weeks as Wenger considers signing in January

ARSENAL’S midfielder Francis Coquelin will be out for at least two months after suffering knee ligament damage in Saturday’s defeat at West Brom, manager Arsene Wenger has announced.

The Gunners missed the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League as they slipped to a 2-1 loss at The Hawthorns – with the serious injury to Coquelin now leaving Wenger without a mainstay of his side over the busy festive period.

The 24-year-old has developed into a first-team regular at the Emirates Stadium and Wenger is hoping a scan later yesterday does not rule the France international out for even longer.

“I’m always a bit cautious,” he said when asked about the seriousness of Coquelin’s injury.

“It is at least two months but I’m cautious as we had so many bad surprises on scans that I do not want to speculate more than that. Certainly for the next two months we play without Coquelin.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey will be available to face Dinamo Zagreb and Calum Chambers could replace the French midfielder, but the Arsenal boss says he will “do what is needed” in the transfer window

Arsene Wenger has conceded he may be forced into making a signing in January following an injury to Francis Coquelin.

The midfielder was ruled out for at least two months by Arsenal yesterday after damaging knee ligaments in the defeat to West Brom, though Goal understands the Gunners fear he could be out for even longer.

And Wenger has indicated he is willing to buy a new player in January to bolster his squad following a number of injuries.

“I’ll do what’s needed in January even though in January it is not an ideal transfer market,” Wenger told reporters.

Mikel Arteta will also miss the must-win Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, but Aaron Ramsey has returned to training and is available to play on Tuesday.

Wenger also suggested he may play Calum Chambers in midfield against Dinamo.

He added: “We have players that can play in Coquelin’s position. Chambers has been educated in that position.”