Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal defenders Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen ruled out until the New Year
Arsenal's challenge for the Barclays Premier League title has been dealt a major blow after it was revealed Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny will be out of action until the New Year. [LNB]The defensive pair will miss next Monday's crunch clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford and the visit of Chelsea at the end of the month.[LNB] Three and easy: Vermaelen and Co pose for the cameras at Arsenal's Charity Party at Claridges on Sunday night[LNB]Vermaelen has been sidelined with an achilles tendon problem since the beginning of September, and the initial diagnosis was that it would be a matter of weeks rather than months. [LNB]But manager Arsene Wenger revealed today he doesn't expect the defender to be fit until at least the start of next year. [LNB] Enlarge Down and out: Koscielny suffered concussion following a nasty clash of heads with team-mate Squillaci [LNB] 'Vermaelen is in a [protective]boot,' the Frenchman said. 'We want him back and I hope he will be backsoon, but not before January.' [LNB]Koscielny suffered concussion during the first half of Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday following a collision with fellow centre-half Sebastien Squillaci. [LNB] Injury woes: Van Persie, Fabregas and Vermaelen have all struggled with injuries this campaign [LNB]The clash of heads left the£8.5million summer recruit dazed in the build up to Fulham's equalisinggoal before he was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by JohanDjourou.[LNB]'The medical team inform me he [Koscielny] has picked up concussion and could be out for three weeks,' Wenger added.[LNB]The double blow leaves the Arsenal boss with just Squillaci and Djourou to call on as recognised centre-halves ahead of a crucial December period in the Gunners quest for a first trophy since 2005.[LNB] Gunners blow as Wenger reveals Vermaelen out until at least NovemberIt's win or bust! Sagna insists Arsenal must beat rivals United in showdownARSENAL FC
