Mikel Arteta Ruled out for Remainder of Arsenal's Season

After rolling his ankle, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta limped off the pitch within the first 10 minutes of Monday's 2-1 loss to Wigan.

In bad news for the club, that will be the last sight of him on a football pitch this season.

BBC Sport reports that follow-up medical testing revealed no break, but did show ligament damage substantial enough to end Arteta's first campaign with the Gunners.

The 30-year-old Spaniard scored six goals in 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this term. He also chipped in two assists and proved to be one of the most prolific passers in the top flight, with only Yaya Toure playing more passes per game.

The injury news comes at the worst possible time for Arsene Wenger's team as they fight to keep possession of third place in the Premier League table.

Having played one more game than their closest pursuers, Arsenal are currently five points clear of Newcastle and Tottenham in third position.

Arteta's absence will be acutely felt as the Gunners midfield is stretched painfully thin for their Saturday game against Chelsea.

Yossi Benayoun is on loan from Stamford Bridge and thus ineligible. Jack Wilshere is out for the season and Abou Diaby hasn't worked his way back to fitness following his own injury woes.

After the Chelsea match, Arsenal's remaining fixtures see them traveling to Stoke, facing Norwich at the Emirates and ending the season away to West Bromwich Albion.