Robert Pires was today ruled out of Arsenal's double bid and France's attempt to retain the World Cup this summer.
The 29-year-old French international has sustained "serious cruciate knee ligament damage and will be sidelined for several months", according to a statement on the Gunners' official website.
Pires, who twisted his knee in Arsenal's 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Newcastle at Highbury on Saturday, was examined in Paris yesterday by top specialist Phillipe Boixel.
The statement revealed: "Robert is expected to undergo surgery later this week and everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Robert a full recovery."
Pires has been the club's outstanding player this season as they chase the Premiership and FA Cup double and is a leading candidate for the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year awards.
PA