Arsenal FC will be without Lukas Podolski for up to ten weeks due to a
hamstring injury that is "much more damaged than we thought", while
Mathieu Flamini has rejoined the club. Lukas Podolski will be absent for the start of Arsenal FC's UEFA
Champions League campaign after Arsène Wenger revealed that a hamstring
injury is more serious than expected, while Mathieur Flamini has
re-signed for the club.
The 28-year-old Podolski was taken off 49 minutes into Tuesday's 2-0
play-off win against Fenerbahçe SK with his manager predicting that he
will be absent for around two months, which would mean he misses the
first three matches of the group stage. "It is bad news about Lukas
Podolski as he will be out for eight to ten weeks," said Wenger. "His
hamstring is much more damaged than we thought. We have to be patient
now."
Aaron Ramsey also looked to be in trouble after sustaining
an injury late in the Fenerbahçe game, but Wenger insisted that he and
Jack Wilshere will both be available for Sunday's north London derby
against Tottenham Hotspur FC. "They just had bumps and bruises,"
explained the Frenchman. "They will be involved." Wenger also hopes to
be able to call on Mikel Arteta (thigh) and Thomas Vermaelen (back) by
matchday one.
Midfielder Flamini, meanwhile, returns to north
London as a free agent after his contract with AC Milan expired at the
end of last season. The 29-year-old Frenchman played 153 times for the
club between 2004 and 2008, when he moved to Italy, and was part of the
side that reached the 2006 UEFA Champions League final, spending much of
the campaign playing at left-back.
"We're very pleased Mathieu
has agreed to rejoin us," said Wenger. "He is a player of real quality
with a fantastic work-rate and great mentality. As we know, Mathieu is a
strong midfielder, but he is also is comfortable playing in defence
too. He is a very good addition to our squad."
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