Arsenal have confirmed that Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta are facing three months on the sidelines after they both underwent surgery.
Right-back Debuchy injured his right shoulder following a challenge on Marko Arnautovic during the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Stoke on Sunday.
The France international was forced off after 13 minutes at the Emirates and subsequently had an operation to rectify the problem, which is expected to keep him out for a period of three months.
Speaking to the club’s official website, manager Arsene Wenger said: “Mathieu had a surgery on his right shoulder following the injury on Sunday.
“It’s very unfortunate for Mathieu, it’s unbelievable because he’s had two surgeries in the same season. He just came back, he played seven games and he’s out again.
“I count three months out for Mathieu because contact will be a problem for the shoulder.”
Midfielder Arteta has been on the treatment table since November 26 when he sustained an ankle injury in the 2-0 triumph against Borussia Dortmund.
The Spaniard too has gone under the knife, with his rehabilitation also set to take up to three months.
Wenger added: “Mikel has had surgery which went well. I have just seen him, he is back with us at the training ground.
“He had a limited mobility in his ankle and some persistent inflammation that had an impact on his calf.
“That meant we had to make the decision to have surgery and it’s a proper solution which gives him the best chance to recover.”