Arsenal will be without Mathieu Debuchy for the rest of the calendar year after the right-back underwent surgery on an ankle injury.

The France international, who was part of Les Bleus’ squad for the World Cup in Brazil in the summer, suffered the problem during the 2-2 home draw with Manchester City on September 13.

Debuchy was stretchered off at the Emirates Stadium after falling awkwardly and damaging ankle ligaments late in the second half and is now set for three months on the sidelines after going under the knife.

The 29-year-old only arrived from Newcastle in the summer and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admits it is a “blow” to lose his services for an extended spell.

“How big it will be we will only know afterwards as it will be down to how well we replace him. We bought [Calum] Chambers for that,” said Wenger.

Chambers replaced Debuchy against City and now looks set for a run in the side much earlier than planned following the 19-year-old’s arrival from Southampton for £16million in the recent transfer window.

Arsenal are in action at home against the Saints in the third round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night ahead of Saturday’s north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates on Saturday evening.

The Gunners are 1.94 to beat Southampton in the match betting marker, with the visitors 3.73 and the draw is 3.37.

Arsenal are currently 9.00 to go on and win the Capital One Cup this season, with Chelsea the 5.50 favourites.