Arsenal got the news they were dreading today as it was revealed that Cesc Fabregas will sit out the next four months after suffering a knee ligament injury against Liverpool on Sunday…

Wenger has confirmed today that his prize midfielder suffered a partial rupture of the medial knee ligament in the clash with Xabi Liverpool’s Alonso.

The Arsenal boss is putting a brave face on things but this could well be the final nail in their title hopes coffin. In fantasy terms, the news is not so significant. Fabregas has not enjoyed a strong season thus far, often adopting a deeper, probing role in the Arsenal midfield. The cavaliering runs into the box of last season have been restricted and the goals and, to some extent, the assists, have dried up as a result. The Spaniard has earned just one goal and four assists this term.

It does mean however, that Wenger will now have to replace Fabregas in his midfield. In the short term this will boost the appeal of Denilson who now looks a certain starter game-to-game and perhaps Diaby, who now seems more likely to hold down a starting role with Wenger’s options across the midfield looking limited. Both are now worthy of further consideration in the low-to-mid-price bracket.

In the long-term, this setback will surely see Wenger plunder the transfer market with the rumour of a £20 million move for Arshavin in the January window doing the rounds.