Arsenal Defender Clichy Injured

France international Gael Clichy, the Arsenal defender will be out of action for several weeks due to a back injury similar to the one he suffered at the end of the 08-09 season.

The French left-back, played on Saturday’s North London derby against their fierce rivals Tottenham which Arsenal won 3-0.

Gunners Manager Arsene Wenger said about Clichy: “We fear a stress fracture of the back, we will know more on Tuesday but if it is the case he’ll be out for a few weeks.”

Kieran Gibbs will be replacing Clichy on Wednesdays Champions League game against AZ Alkmaar.

Clichy’s injury will keep him out of France’s World Cup play off games against Ireland on 14 and 18 November.

Though unfortunate for Clichy, the injury gives Gibbs who is trying to get into the England 2010 Squad a chance to play regular first team football and show that he can deal with the pressure.

Wenger: “I was very comfortable to have the solution to rest Clichy when needed and play Gibbs when necessary. Now a huge stress will be on Gibbs to play in every game. Manager Fabio Capello and England will be happy because they want him to play in every game but losing Clichy is still a blow for us. But I have every confidence about Gibbs. I have said that many times.”