Francis Coquelin injury blow for Arsenal as midfielder could be out of action until new year after suffering setback at West Brom

By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline

Published: 13:27 EST, 22 November 2015 | Updated: 05:35 EST, 23 November 2015

Arsenal fear midfield linchpin Francis Coquelin will miss the rest of 2015 with a knee problem. The Gunners midfielder suffered the injury during Saturday's defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

Coquelin has undergone scans to assess the extent of the injury and tests have shown up substantial ligament damage.

However, the Gunners' medical team will wait for the swelling to fully subside before conducting further examinations on Coquelin's injured knee. 

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin (right) lands awkwardly while tackling West Brom's Claudio Yacob

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin (right) lands awkwardly while tackling West Brom's Claudio Yacob

The Frenchman could potentially be sidelined for the rest of the calendar year with his knee injury  

The Frenchman could potentially be sidelined for the rest of the calendar year with his knee injury  

Only then will Arsenal have a definitive diagnosis on the injury.

But there was an acknowledgement that the 24-year-old will struggle to play again this calendar year. 

The fear is that Coquelin could also miss the opening weeks of 2016. News of the injury comes as a cruel blow to manager Arsene Wenger, who is already in the midst of an injury crisis.

Coquelin has established himself as the club's first-choice defensive central midfielder over the past 12 months.

Wenger could now enter the January transfer market for a new holding midfielder, though the Gunners boss will wait for the outcome of further tests on Coquelin's injured joint before making a decision.

West Brom midfielder James Morrison (centre) scores his side's first goal in the 2-1 win over Arsenal

West Brom midfielder James Morrison (centre) scores his side's first goal in the 2-1 win over Arsenal

Morrison celebrates after scoring against the Gunners in Saturday's 2-1 victory at The Hawthorns 

Morrison celebrates after scoring against the Gunners in Saturday's 2-1 victory at The Hawthorns 

The Arsenal manager is facing a central midfield selection dilemma ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

Captain Mikel Arteta sustained a calf injury in the defeat at The Hawthorns and is also set for a spell on the sidelines.

Aaron Ramsey is fit again after a hamstring strain and could be handed a instant return in his preferred central midfield role against Dinamo.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who can also play in central midfield, is also nearing full fitness. 

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta (centre) accidentally scores an own goal in the 2-1 defeat by the Baggies

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta (centre) accidentally scores an own goal in the 2-1 defeat by the Baggies

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez hits his head on the post in frustration during Saturday's loss

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez hits his head on the post in frustration during Saturday's loss

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