Johan Djourou out for season as Arsenal defensive crisis worsens

• Defender disclocates shoulder in defeat by Manchester United
• Injury leaves Wenger short of options in central defence

Johan Djourou recoils in pain after injuring his shoulder during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat by Manchester United.

Arsenal's hopes of rescuing their season have taken a further blow, with the defender Johan Djourou being ruled out of the remainder of the campaign. Djourou was carried off after a collision with a team-mate, Bacary Sagna, in Saturday evening's 2-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

After the game the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, said: "[He has a] dislocated shoulder. His season is over."

Wenger's resources in the centre of defence were already stretched: Thomas Vermaelen has not played since September due to an achilles problem and may not return this season and Laurent Koscielny and Sébastien Squillaci have struggled to adapt to English football. Another defensive option, Alex Song, has injury problems and Wenger may feel that playing the Cameroonian in central defence would weaken his midfield. The 19-year-old Ignasi Miquel, who is arguably next in line, has played only two senior matches.

A fortnight ago Arsenal harboured hopes of winning four trophies but they have followed defeat by Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final by being knocked out of the Champions League and the FA Cup.