Arsene Wenger must have cringed as news filtered through that Robin van Persie had been stretchered off in Holland's friendly with Italy. It puts a dampener on Arsenal's fine Premier League run - and weakens the Gunners ahead of their showdown with Chelsea at the end of November.
Van Persie will be on the sidelines for four to six weeks after tearing ankle ligaments on Saturday, leaving Wenger short of experienced options for his strikeforce. He has an abundance of attacking midfielders but no other strikers in the Dutchman's league.
And so yet more pressure seemingly falls on the shoulders of captain Cesc Fabregas to keep the Arsenal title surge on track. The Spaniard has been outstanding thus far, providing not only his customary assists but weighing in with a handy goal tally too. Now, though, he needs help from the supporting cast.
With van Persie out of action, Wenger will look for the likes of Eduardo, Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky and, of course, Andrey Arshavin to take on greater responsibility. Young Aaron Ramsey may also see more playing time.
While it is a talented list of names to call upon, the Gunners boss will know that it is hard to replace the attributes that van Persie brings to the side and he will be crossing his fingers that the next month continues to produce enough end product to keep the Premier League title in his sights.
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