Arsenal dealt Djourou blow

Arsenal FC have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the start of their UEFA Champions League group-stage campaign after knee surgery ruled defender Johan Djourou out for up to six months.

Geneva operation
The Swiss Football Federation confirmed the 22-year-old had an operation on knee cartilage in Geneva on Friday, having left an international training camp last month prior to Switzerland's friendly against Italy complaining of pain in his knee. Capped 24 times, Djourou has made 45 league appearances in five seasons with the Gunners and had been hoping to compete with current central defensive partnership William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen for a starting berth. Arsenal have been drawn in Group H of the UEFA Champions League and begin the section away to R. Standard de Liège on 16 September.