Clichy faces a month out

The left-back is an integral member of Arsene Wenger's first XI but has been forced onto the treatment table after sustaining the injury.

France international Clichy will miss Wednesday's UEFA Champions League encounter with AZ Alkmaar and the next European match against Standard Liege on 24th November.

The problem will also keep him out of the reckoning for the forthcoming Barclays Premier League matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland and London rivals Chelsea.

Clichy could return for the Carling Cup quarter-final meeting with Manchester City at the start of December but it is unlikely Wenger will rush him back into action.

long season

The Frenchman's absence will mean a run in the ...