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Arsenal shorn of Santos for three months

Arsenal FC will be without André Santos for about three months after it was announced the defender needs surgery on ankle ligament damage sustained against Olympiacos FC.

André Santos will be out for around three months with ankle ligament damage
André Santos will be out for around three months with ankle ligament damage ©Getty Images

Arsenal FC have been dealt an injury blow with the news that first-choice left-back André Santos requires surgery for ligament damage in his right ankle and will be out for around three months.

Santos, who sustained the injury in Arsenal's final UEFA Champions League Group F game at Olympiacos FC, will miss the round of 16 first leg on 14/15 or 21/22 February and is doubtful for the return on 6/7 or 13/14 March after undergoing the operation in Brazil this week.

The 28-year-old Brazilian international joined the Gunners from Fenerbahçe SK in the summer and featured in every match of Arsenal's group stage campaign. Arsène Wenger's side will learn their last-16 opponents in Friday's draw at 12.00CET.