The Guardian report this evening that Mikel Arteta is expected to miss ‘at least’ two weeks with the ankle injury he picked up in last night’s Champions League tie.

The skipper was taken off after a clash with Demba Ba and the initial prognosis suggests that he’ll miss the games against Everton this weekend, Besiktas in midweek and the trip to Leicester the following Sunday.

At that point there’s an Interlull with the Gunners next game at home to Man City. However, conclusive results won’t be known until the club get the results of Arteta’s scan which took place today.

With Aaron Ramsey also suspended for next the Champions League game, it leaves Arsene Wenger without two of his most trusted and influential performers.

On the bright side, Arsenal expect Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker to be back for the trip to Goodison Park and the return of the Germans would prove a timely boost ahead of a crucial week.

Meanwhile, Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic has been handed a one match touchline ban ahead of next Wednesday’s crunch clash.