The Gunners' captain suffered a partial rupture to his medial ligament during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and may be sidelined for up to four months.

"The news is not good," Wenger said. "It will take three to four months, we count four. He will be working hard to come back earlier but I count four months."

Reports have speculated that Wenger is interested in Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andre Arshavin, but he has not confirmed the rumours.

"It is more likely but we also have internal solutions and we are not desperate," Wenger said.

"We will miss him, of course, but how much is difficult to say," Wenger added.

"We have to find a way and we want to find a way to compensate the fact that he is not on the pitch to give everyone a bit more.

"I'm sure we can deal with it. When he comes back he can help us get over the line in the final months. I believe we are able to do it."