Arsenal have confirmed that Ces Fabregas will be out of action for up to four months because of damaged knee ligaments.
The Gunners young captain was injured in a clash with his countryman Xabi Lonso during their 1-1 draw with Liverpool earlier this week.
Fabregas will definitely miss the Champions League matches against Roma home and away in February and March, and manager Arsene Wenger now has to make other plans.
The Gunners are eight points off leaders Liverpool in fifth place, and face a key encounter with third-placed Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Fabregas will likely miss all but the last five or six Premier League matches.
Wenger hasn't decided who'll take over the captaincy.
