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. 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. Three and easy: Vermaelen and Co pose for the cameras at Arsenal's Charity Party at Claridges on Sunday nightVermaelen 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. But manager Arsene Wenger revealed today he doesn't expect the defender to be fit until at least the start of next year. Enlarge Down and out: Koscielny suffered concussion following a nasty clash of heads with team-mate Squillaci 'Vermaelen is in a [protective]boot,' the Frenchman said. 'We want him back and I hope he will be backsoon, but not before January.' 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. Injury woes: Van Persie, Fabregas and Vermaelen have all struggled with injuries this campaign 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.'The medical team inform me he [Koscielny] has picked up concussion and could be out for three weeks,' Wenger added.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.  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

Source: Daily_Mail