Arsenal setback as Fabiański's 'season is over'

Arsenal FC goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury.

The Polish international, who broke into the Gunners' first team earlier this season following elbow and ankle injuries to Manuel Almunia, suffered the problem during the warm-up for his side's Premier League match against Manchester City FC on 5 January. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery which will sideline him for the rest of the 2010/11 campaign, leaving Arsenal weakened in what has been a problem position.

"We had bad news for Łukasz Fabiański because he needs surgery on his shoulder," said Wenger in a press conference on Wednesday. "He has decided after having seen a few specialists that he will have surgery in Germany. It means his season is over."

Despite several high-profile errors at the end of last term, Fabiański took over as first-choice keeper from Almunia in October and played in five UEFA Champions League games and 14 Premier League encounters. He has not featured, however, since keeping a clean sheet in the goaless draw with Manchester City.

Fabiański is expected to be replaced by compatriot Wojciech Szczęsny, the 20-year-old custodian who has made just four Premier League appearances. "The competition for places will be between Wojciech and Almunia," added Wenger. "Wojciech will play the next game [against Newcastle FC]."

The news is a further setback for Arsenal, who will already be without midfielder Samir Nasri for their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg at home to FC Barcelona on 16 February. The French international has a hamstring strain.