The Swedish international played much of the end of last season and most of the World Cup with a back injury. But Arsenal say that it is a problem with his hip which will force Ljungberg to sit out the opening weeks of Arsenal's title defence.

Freddie is set to go under the knife this weekend.

With him, Pires and Gio all missing, Arsenal are looking a little short in midfield so expect a frenzy of transfer speculation in the next few days.

Arsenal's announcement on Freddie's injury is here