Arsenal's Hleb out for a month

Arsenal's Belarus midfielder Alexander Hleb is likely to be out for a month after picking up a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday. "It will be a good four weeks," manager...

Arsenal's Belarus midfielder Alexander Hleb is likely to be out for a month after picking up a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

"It will be a good four weeks," manager Arsene Wenger said.

"That is disappointing because you don't want to lose players in January because, if you lose them for a long time, then their season is over."

Dutch striker Robin van Persie is already facing a long lay-off after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot during the 2-1 victory over Man. United on Sunday.

"Ideally you would say six to eight weeks but as well it could 10," Wenger said.

"That means April and you are close to the end of the season and then you need to get back to your best level. I hope it is six weeks but that's really optimistic."

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