Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen will be sidelined for the rest of the season, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
Vermaelen suffered an Achilles injury while on international duty with Belgium last September but a lengthy absence was not expected at the time.
However, the 25-year-old was forced to undergo an operation on the injury in January, and Wenger has now confirmed the Belgian will not be part of his squad for the final few months of the season.
The Frenchman said: “For Thomas Vermaelen the season is over.
“In fairness he has not played since September, I never expected him to be fit before the end of the season.
“He is not out on the field yet and it is impossible (for him to return) after six months without competition.
“I am confident he will have a full recovery but for this season we cannot rely on him.”
And Wenger also confirmed Johan Djourou will be missing for six weeks, despite the Swiss FA claiming the centre-back would not be facing too long out with a dislocated shoulder.
He added: “There's a little chance (of Djourou returning this season), he has an arthroscopy on Monday and we will know more about the damage in his shoulder.
“We hope we will have good news but no matter what happens he will be out for six weeks.”