It is the same injury which recently brought Austrian teammate Martin Hiden's season to a premature end and leaves manager David O'Leary short of defensive cover.

Molenaar - nicknamed 'The Terminator' - was hurt in a tackle by Arsenal's Nicolas Anelka during Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Highbury.

O'Leary's options are further limited with Lucas Radebe out for two weeks with a twisted knee and David Wetherall suspended for the forthcoming FA Cup third round tie against non-league Rushden & Diamonds.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed that money is available if O'Leary wishes to strengthen the squad.

"Clearly the current injury crisis is disappointing, but we all have to cope with adversity and the people who cope best come out the other end as winners," Ridsdale said.

But O'Leary has no immediate target in mind.