Arsenal dealt huge blow as Francis Coquelin looks set for long spell on the sidelines

Francis Coquelin has been ruled out of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb

FRANCIS COQUELIN has been ruled out of Arsenal's must-win Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, and the Gunners fear he is facing a lengthy absence with knee ligament damage.

 

The midfielder was injured in the early stages of Saturday’s 2-1 loss at West Brom when he made a tackle on Claudio Yacob.

Mikel Arteta is also out of the clash on Tuesday after he injured his calf when he came off of the bench for Coquelin on Saturday. 

 

The two join an already long injury list which includes Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Tomas Rosicky.

The loss of Coquelin, who has emerged as Arsene Wenger's No 1 defensive midfielder, is a huge blow both the Gunners hopes in Europe and in the Premier League.

Arsenal must beat Zagreb at the Emirates on Tuesday to retain any hope of staying in the Champions League, with Mathieu Flamini now almost certain to start in the holding midfield position.