Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Villareal after Marcos Senna was ruled out through injury.

The Spain star limped off in the 80th minute of Villareal's 2-0 loss to Malaga with a hamstring injury.

It is not known how long Senna will be out for, but he will miss Wednesday's quarter-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium according to the club's website.

Senna scored a stunning goal in the 1-1 draw with the Gunners in the first leg. Manager Manuel Pellegrini could be severely under-strength in midfield with Santi Cazorla out for three months while wingers Cani and Mati Fernandez are doubtful.

Pellegrini said: "Obviously when you lose you are worried and must work hard to improve, but it's also true that the injuries have affected us and causing us problems.

"I still think that we have our chances and we are going to fight until the end."

But the Gunners have injury problems of their own with Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, William Gallas, and Johan Djorou on the sidelines.

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