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Arsenal suffer blow with Lukas Podolski ruled out of action for up to 10 weeks
ARSENAL have been dealt a major setback with the news that Lukas Podolski has been ruled out of action for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Germany forward sustained the injury after pulling up during Tuesday's Champions League play-off victory over Fenerbahce.
The injury is worse than first feared, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger originally under the impression Podolski would be out for three weeks.
Speaking to the club's official website, arsenal.com, Wenger said: "It is bad news about Lukas Podolski as he will be out for eight to 10 weeks.
"His hamstring is much more damaged than we thought at the start.
"It is very disappointing and we have paid a very heavy price for that win [over Fenerbahce]. We have to be patient now."
Podolski will now be forced to sit out of Germany's World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
However, there is some positive fears with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who was on the receiving end of some meaty challenges against Fenerbahce, will be fit for the north London derby on Sunday.