Arsenal's French defender Gael Clichy is set to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a back injury.

The left-back, who played in Saturday's 3-0 home victory over north London rivals Tottenham, will have a scan.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "We fear a stress fracture of the back, we will know more on Tuesday but if it is the case he'll be out for a few weeks."

Kieran Gibbs will deputise for Clichy, 24, in Wednesday's Champions League clash against AZ Alkmaar.

The injury could also rule Clichy out of France's World Cup play-offs against Ireland on 14 November in Dublin and four days later in Paris.

Wenger believes that 20-year-old Gibbs, who he has touted as a prospect for England's World Cup squad next year, can deal with the added pressure.

He stated: "I was very comfortable to have the solution to rest Clichy when needed and play Gibbs when necessary.

"Now a huge stress will be on Gibbs to play in every game. Manager Fabio Capello and England will be happy because they want him to play in every game but losing Clichy is still a blow for us.

606: DEBATE Good chance for Gibbs, especially as people are talking about him getting called up for England BoredAtWork

"But I have every confidence about Gibbs. I have said that many times."

Clichy also missed the end of last season with a back injury.

The news is a further blow for the Gunners, who have had striker Nicklas Bendtner ruled out for at least four weeks because of a groin problem.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version