ARSENAL LOOK set to head into the hectic festive schedule with no recognised full-back after it was confirmed Andre Santos would be out of action for about three months with ankle ligament damage.

The club yesterday revealed the Brazil international – who had impressed in recent matches following his August transfer deadline move from Fenerbache – was set to have surgery in his home country after suffering the injury in what was effectively a meaningless final Champions League group game away in Olympiakos last week.

Given Kieran Gibbs is not yet fully fit from his hernia problem, while both right-backs Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson are also sidelined, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger fielded four centre-halves along the backline against Everton.

Young Spaniard Ignasi Miquel is another option, although the 19-year-old reserve captain’s more natural position is also in the middle, and Arsenal could now look to bring in some experienced cover, perhaps on loan, when the transfer window opens again in January. Santos (28) is not expected to be available until mid-March at the earliest.