Arsene Wenger confirms Mathieu Debuchy out for three months after ankle surgery

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy will miss THREE MONTHS after surgery on an ankle knock.

The French international, a £10million summer arrival from Newcastle in the summer, suffered a nasty sprain during the 2-2 draw with Manchester City a fortnight ago.

And after being assessed by a specialist and subsequently admitted for an operation Gunners boss Wenger confirmed their worst fears had been realised.

"He has had surgery and will be out for three months,” he told the club's official website. "A reasonable delay is three months.

"It all went well, but it can be a week or two earlier or a week or two later, but it will be around three months."

Debuchy's absence leaves Arsenal painfully thin at the back with only fellow new boy Calum Chambers and youngster Hector Bellerin left as right-sided cover.

But when quizzed on his defensive crisis Wenger responded in calm fashion.

"It is a blow of course, how big it will be we will only know afterwards because it will be down to how well we replace him. We bought [Calum] Chambers for that," he added.