The Spanish schemer suffered medial ligament damage in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool, as a result of a challenge from compatriot Xabi Alonso.

"The news is not good because it is a partial rupture of the medial knee ligament that is taking us three to four months," Arsenal boss Wenger said.

"We count four. He will be working hard to return earlier but we count four months.

"We will miss him of course but we have to find a way to compensate for the fact that he will not be on the pitch.

"I am sure we can deal with it and when he comes back he can help us to get over the line in the final months."

The news comes as a blow for the Gunners, who will miss their skipper for most of the remainder of the current season.

Fabregas will definitely miss the crucial Champions League ties with Roma in February and March.

Arshavin Bid

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been given green light by Zenit Petersburg to bid for Russian ace Andrei Arshavin.

Arshavin has been targeted by Arsenal and Tottenham since last summer when he excelled in EURO 2008, but the Gunners seem closer to grab him at the mean time.

"The price tag for Arshavin is £20m and we are hopeful that Arsenal will make such an offer soon," Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov told Radio Echo Moskvy.

The 26-year-old forward was close to sealing a bigger move in July, but Zenit's high-price demands curtailed the transfer.

However, the diminutive frontman, who was also targeted by Bayern Munich, seems certain to leave the UEFA Cup champions in the winter break.