Wenger confirms Paulista will not be available for FA Cup final against Chelsea

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that defender Gabriel Paulistawill be out of action for six to eight weeks with a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old centre-back was expected to miss this Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea after suffering the problem during last weekend’s 3-1 victory over Everton on the final day of the season.

Now, though, it seems that the Brazilian is in danger of missing the start of pre-season as scans have discovered that he damaged his medial knee ligament.

It is a blow for Arsenal, who are already without defender Laurent Koscielny after his red card was upheld by the Football Association, meaning that he will serve a three-match ban.

The Gunners could end the season with silverware, but they failed to secure a Champions League spot for the first time in 20 years, eventually settling for fifth.