Gibbs pencilled in for foot operation

Arsenal FC left-back Kieran Gibbs is to have surgery on the foot injury sustained on UEFA Champions League duty in November, ruling the 20-year-old out for the remainder of the season.

Five-month layoff
Gibbs fractured the first metatarsal on his left foot following a tackle by R. Standard de Liège defender Eliaquim Mangala during the Matchday 5 fixture which the Gunners won 2-0. The injury has failed to heal satisfactorily in the intervening period, forcing the north Londoners to pencil the England Under-21 international in for an operation on Friday which is expected to sideline him for five months. "Needless to say I'm gutted – there's just no other word," said Gibbs. Arsenal return to UEFA Champions League action on 17 February when they visit FC Porto in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.