Aaron Ramsey to be sidelined for at least THREE WEEKS with calf strain, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms

AARON RAMSEY is set to miss THREE WEEKS with a calf strain, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

Gunners boss Wenger said ahead of tomorrow's clash against Chelsea: "Overall from the other night we lose Aaron Ramsey. He is expected to be out for 21 days. We are a bit short at the moment but we have young players who can do well.

"Olivier Giroud has a test - he should be alright. Maybe Danny Welbeck will come back in the group. The players were very down and frustrated after the Watford defeat."

Ramsey broke down with a calf strain during the 2-1 defeat by Watford on Wednesday night.

The midfielder lasted just 20 minutes before limping off with a calf injury during the clash against Watford.

The news comes at a terrible time for Wenger - the Gunners take on league leaders Chelsea at lunch-time tomorrow, before taking on Hull next Saturday, and then Bayern Munich on February 15 .

The injury to Ramsey will just add to the manager's concerns with the Welshman set to join Santi Cazorla on the treatment table.

Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny is currently representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations but is also suffering a calf problem.

Santi Cazorla is a long-term absentee with a knee problem

That leaves Francis Coquelin as the only fit defensive midfielder in Arsenal's ranks.

Ramsey will also not be fit to return for the FA Cup tie at minnow Sutton United on February 20.