Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to miss rest of season

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will miss the rest of the season as he requires surgery on a damaged shoulder.

The Pole broke down with the problem during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal's Barclays Premier League match against Manchester City last month and has not played since.

Boss Arsene Wenger confirmed this morning the 25-year-old - who had established himself as Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper - will head to Germany for surgery.

Wenger explained at a press conference this morning: "We had bad news for Lukasz Fabianski because he need surgery on his shoulder.

"He has decided after having seen a few specialists that he will have surgery in Germany. It means his season is over."

Manuel Almunia has just returned from an injury lay-off and will now battle with youngster Wojciech Szczesny for the number one jersey.

Wenger continued: "The competition for the places at the moment will be between Wojciech and Almunia. Wojciech will play the next game."

Midfielder Alex Song (thigh) will not feature against Newcastle on Saturday, but Theo Walcott has recovered from a minor ankle knock picked up in the midweek win over Everton.