Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Gunners suffer Hleb woe

23 Nov 2007 - 08:02:55

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Arsenal midfielder Alex Hleb has returned to the Emirates Stadium from international duty with a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for the next three weeks.

The 26-year-old, who played for Belarus in their midweek Euro 2008 qualifying success against Holland, is one of six first-team players that will miss the Gunners' Premier League clash against Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Mathieu Flamini (thigh), Cesc Fabregas (suspended), Abou Diaby (back) and Gilberto (fatigue) are all absent while Gilberto Silva is returning late from international duty with Brazil.

"Hleb came back with a hamstring injury," confirmed Wenger.

"So once again we lose someone during this (international) period. I think he'll be out for 21 days. Flamini came back with a little thigh problem too. That will be one week maximum.

"Senderos is available but Cesc is suspended. Diaby has a back problem from the Slavia Prague game and he'll be out for three weeks.

"Robin van Persie is not back and he will not be back for Sevilla either. Gilberto will return very, very late. In fact he only comes back on Friday. So, as for the rest of the squad, we'll see."