Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is expected to be out of action for around six months after undergoing knee surgery.

The Switzerland international has had an operation on his left knee and the Swiss FA have announced he will not be ready to return until March.

Djourou sustained the injury on international duty last month, ahead of the friendly against Italy and the 22-year-old has missed the chance to stake a claim for a first-team place at the Emirates in the absence of Kolo Toure, sold to Manchester City this summer.

Though £10m Belgian signing Thomas Vermaelen has slotted in alongside an in-form William Gallas, Djourou's injury may leave Arsene Wenger short of defensive options, even though Philippe Senderos has returned to the club after a spell on loan at AC MIlan.