Blow for Arsenal as Aaron Ramsey ruled out until mid-April

The Welshman hobbled off after just 16 minutes during the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Hull City in midweek – with early speculation suggesting he could be ruled out for the season.

However, Wenger allayed those fears and said he hoped to have Ramsey back for the run-in.

"No, I don't think he's out for the season," said Wenger. "The clinical signs are quite positive.

"As a start I would say four weeks. It's a bit worse than I thought at the time. I thought it would be just a precaution and he would be available for Sunday."

The injury also rules Ramsey out of Wales' pre-Euro 2016 friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine later in March.

Arsenal’s slim title hopes now rest on unlikely duo Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny in central midfield – and that’s got to concern Mr Wenger. Sure, they will provide adequate cover for the defence, with the duo quite happy to play a simple pass and maintain the midfield shape.

But without a driving runner from deep – a la Ramsey – are the Gunners really going to unlock defences? They are eight points behind leaders Leicester City. They have to take risks. With only Coquelin, Elneny and Mathieu Flamini to pick from in the middle, Wenger no longer has that option.