Arsenal suffered a double injury blow in the 0-0 stalemate at Villa Park with Thomas Vermaelen sustaining a possible broken fibula and Eduardo suffering a minor hamstring strain.

Eduardo is ruled out of Sunday’s clash with United at the Emirates but that’s undoubtedly overshadowed by the loss of Vermaelen. The Belgian international left the ground on crutches according to Arsene Wenger and will undergo an x-ray to examine whether he has suffered a nerve injury or a break.

This latest setback couldn’t have arrived at a worse time for the Gunners. Wenger’s side failed to claim victory at Villa Park and the loss of Vermaelen, one of Arsenal’s success stories this term, will hit them hard as they embark on an evil run of fixtures (MUN che LIV). Sol Campbell will be the likely beneficiary of Vermaelen’s absence but he has far from impressed on his return to the club. Campbell looks short of pace and match fitness and will surely be stretched to cope with the likes of Rooney and Drogba/Anelka over the forthcoming fixtures…

Vermaelen’s five league goals have helped attract a reasonable amount of fantasy interest this season, despite Arsenal struggling to claim regular clean sheets. He is owned by a suprising 27% of Fantasy Premier League managers who will now face the hunt for a suitable replacement. Given the fact that they will have around 7.4 to play with, this shouldn’t be too difficult. Further investment in Evra and Ashley Cole looks likely.

As for Eduardo – his injury and absence for the United game looks set to hand Bendtner a first start in Arsenal colours since the end of October. Bendtner replaced the Croatian international from the bench at Villa Park.