Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs's layoff extended to six weeks

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that defender Kieran Gibbs will be sidelined for six weeks with a thigh injury.

The 23-year-old was originally expected to be out of action for three weeks after suffering the blow during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Despite the original diagnosis, the French boss has claimed that Gibbs will be unable to feature for the club, who have been accused of having defensive frailties, for almost two months.

Arsenal completed a late swoop for Malaga defender Nacho Monreal in order to provide cover.