Arsene Wenger has revealed that centre-back William Gallas could be out for the rest of the current season.
Gallas was stretchered off close to half-time in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona, which the Gunners held the visitors to a 2-2 draw.
The 32-year-old was making his comeback to the first XI after a seven-week lay-off due to a calf injury, and Wenger has confirmed that Gallas aggravated the same calf and could miss the remainder of the current campaign.
"He pulled his calf muscle and I think it's the end of the season for him," Wenger told French TV channel Canal Plus.
However, Wenger believes that the injury will not hurt the defender's chances of playing in the World Cup.
"I do not include the World Cup. I think he will be ready for the World Cup," he added.
Many expected Gallas to depart from the Emirates Stadium before the start of the season, after he was stripped of his captaincy last term. However, Kolo Toure's move to Manchester City forced the Gunners boss to re-insert the wayward defender into the line-up; and into his plans.
Gallas responded with a solid season so far, forging an excellent partnership with newcomer Thomas Vermaelen. The Gunners have only conceded 34 goals in 32 Premier League games this season.
The French defender's injury means that Wenger will be forced to use Sol Campbell extensively down the final stretch of games as Arsenal plan to contend for both the Premier League and Champions League.
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