Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will miss the rest of the Christmas schedule after suffering a thigh injury in his side's 3-1 win at West Ham on Thursday.
.
Ramsey has been a key figure in Arsenal's surprise challenge for the Premier League title and the Wales international's injury is a major blow to the Gunners' hopes.
.
He limped off in the 65th minute at Upton Park to ruin his 23rd birthday.
.
Arsenal now face league matches against Newcastle and Cardiff and then an FA Cup tie with north London rivals Tottenham.
.
"It looks like a thigh strain," Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said.
.
"For me, I don't know how serious the thigh strain is but the Christmas period is certainly over for him. It was his birthday today.
.
"I don't know how long it will be. We will have to see tomorrow morning. He knew straight away, but we have to see."
.
Theo Walcott's brace and a strike from the returning Lukas Podolski saw Arsenal recover from Carlton Cole's goal against the run of play to take the points in east London.
.
The result meant Arsenal went top of the Premier League ahead of Liverpool's trip to Manchester City.
This is bad news for Arsenal and Arsenal fans. Ramsey's absence is a big disadvantage.
Aaron Ramsey has to get well soon for his club. He is very much needed in the mix at Arsenal FC