Gunners hit by Gallas blow

The Arsenal defender is ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Arsenal's William Gallas holds his leg after being injured during the Champions League match against Villareal at El Madrigal.

LONDON // Arsenal's defender William Gallas has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury. Gallas was injured in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger revealed today that the defender had medial ligament damage and would not return this season. Arsenal face the Spanish team at home in the second leg on Wednesday and will advance with a home victory or a 0-0 draw. Arsenal are fourth in the English Premier League but have no realistic chance at the title.

Wenger also said that the goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is out for three weeks with an ankle injury, and left back Gael Clichy will miss two weeks with a back problem. The Arsenal strikers Robin van Persie and Eduardo will need fitness tests on Friday ahead of Saturday's match at Wigan. Mikael Silvestre has recovered from calf and thigh injuries and will be able to return to the defence after being sidelined for several weeks.

*AP