Arsenal's injury round-up - Fabianski out for 3 months

Arsenal‘s No. 2 goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is has ruptured his ankle ligaments, which is set to keep him out of action for 3 months. With his compatriot Szczesny expected to be out for another 2-3 weeks, Italian Vito Mannone should continue between the posts for the gunners.

Arsenal are all set to return to action this weekend with a trip to Norwich City on Saturday following the international break, but quite a few crucial members of the squad will not make the trip owing primarily to long-term injuries. Here’s a list of the injured players and their reported status:

Jack Wilshere

Perhaps the player whose comeback Arsenal fans are most eagerly awaiting, Jack Wilshere has been out of action for more than a year, last making his appearance against New York Red Bulls in pre-season last year, which also featured Gunners icon Theirry Henry. Ironically, Henry has featured for Arsenal after that match, whereas Wilshere hasn’t. The 20 year old Englishman impressed fans and pundits alike with his performances during the 2010-11 season, and Arsenal will definitely be boosted when he does make a return from injury. Wilshere has already started training and featured for a total of 137 minutes in two games with the Under-21s for Arsenal. But having been out for so long, it is highly likely Wenger will ease him gradually into first team football so as not to risk further aggravation of the injury, especially considering his potential importance to the team. He will most likely feature in the Capital One Cup tie at the end of the month for Arsenal, before taking any part in Premier League matches.

Bacary Sagna

The French Right-Back is one of the few old faces in Arsene Wenger’s team that remains. Frequently lauded for his professionalism on the field, and off it, the 29-year old is also one of the best in his position in World Football. That Arsenal fans have not missed him quite as much as was probably expected, following his injury back in May, which also saw him miss the Euro 2012, shows just how much Carl Jenkinson has grown. His performances last season were forgettable, but the 20-year old has surprised everyone with his showings so far this season, with a string of impressive performances for Arsenal. He has also been rewarded with a call-up from Roy Hodgson for the England World Cup Qualifier Squad. Bacary Sagna has also made his comeback in the reserves and is expected to be back around the same time as Wilshere. Jenkinson may have impressed one and all, but there is no doubt that Sagna’s return will still be a massive boost for Arsenal, and will further the defensive improvement in the team this season.

Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish goalkeeper has made the No. 1 spot at Arsenal his own, but his contribution so far this season has been limited due to injury. Though he did feature in Arsenal’s 6-1 win over Southampton, he did not look comfortable on the pitch and was diagnosed for an ankle injury. Speaking on October 2, Arsene Wenger said: “He is injured and will not be back for two or three weeks.”, though his comeback is still expected to be 2 weeks away. In his absence, Vito Mannone has stepped up to keep goal for Arsenal, and while his performances have not been particularly poor, Szczesny’s calmness, composure and ability to organise the defence for set-pieces is being missed by Arsenal fans. Having conceded 3 goals from set-pieces resulting in dropping of 4 points from 2 games against Chelsea and Manchester City. Wenger cannot have Szczesny back quick enough.

Abou Diaby

Diaby has had a lot of misfortune when it comes to injuries, which has limited his contribution to the team over many seasons in the past. Having suffered a potentially career-ending injury back in 2006, Diaby has never again been quite fit, and has always been fettered by minor injuries. He started off this season for Arsenal very brightly, and scored a goal for France as well, before again limping out from the Chelsea match. A lot of scepticism surrounds his ability to get a good run of games for his club. He is expected to return in early November, given he does not suffer any more setbacks.

Other injuries and expected return dates

• Emmanuel Frimpong- End of October
• Tomas Rosicky- End of October
• Lukasz Fabianski- January-February