It was a case of same old, same old for Arsenal fans on Friday, with the club revealing that not only has Jack Wilshere suffered another injury setback, but Abou Diaby will be out of action for nine months with cruciate ligament damage.

Arsene Wenger is already without Theo Walcott, who sustained a pelvic injury while on international duty with England, meaning the Frenchman must prepare for the prospect of facing a crucial Premier League run-in without key first-team stars.

The Gunners continue to trail fourth-placed Tottenham by four points, and their side is starting to resemble the walking wounded instead of the slick set-up needed to earn Champions League qualification...