Lukasz Fabianski will undergo an operation to his shoulder that is expected to rule him out for the rest of the season. The Arsenal goalkeeper's worst fears were confirmed after a consultation with a specialist. "The doctors expect me to take a long break," Fabianski said. "But we'll see if that will happen."

The Poland international has struggled with the injury for some weeks and he aggravated it during the warm-up to the Manchester City game on 5 January, although he did go on to play. He has not featured since and there had been mounting concern over his slow and problematic rehabilitation.

Arsène Wenger, the manager, has already suggested that Wojciech Szczesny, who has excelled in Fabianski's absence, had become his No1 and the 20-year-old is relishing the opportunity of a lengthy run in the team, as the season enters its critical months.

Since the City game, Szczesny has started seven times and conceded only four goals. Both he and Fabianski appear to be ahead of Manuel Almunia in the pecking order. The Spaniard started the season as Wenger's No1 but he has suffered from injuries and problems with his form.