Premier League Betting: Arsenal relying on Ramsey in Arteta's absence

Arteta limped out of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Wigan after just eight minutes with an ankle injury and reports suggest he could be set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Though he has flourished in England, international recognition has evaded Arteta and this enforced spell of rehabilitation will ensure he's watching Spain from afar yet again this summer.

The 29-year-old had recently insisted he still harboured hopes of representing his country, but his chances are surely dwindling as yet another major tournament passes. If nothing else, he can at least take solace from the rise to prominence of Scott Parker, who earned only his fourth England cap at the age of 30.

But Arteta will know only too well that Vicente del Bosque has an embarrassment of riches in midfield, as he attempts to mastermind yet another Spanish triumph. Spain are currently 3.7511/4 favourites to retain their European crown.

Elsewhere, Arteta's absence will inevitably demand that fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey picks up where the Spaniard so capably left off. The young Welsh international struggled to make his presence felt against Wigan after entering the fray so early in the piece, and his underwhelming display earned him plenty of stick from the stands.

Arsenal looked to be coasting to third place but defeat to the Latics could yet make for a nervous end to the campaign. Having formerly traded at 1.162/13 the Gunners have drifted to 1.4640/85 to finish in the top three and Arsene Wenger will need Ramsey to shoulder the burden of responsibility in the coming weeks.

What's more, Arsene Wenger will of course have to make do without the services of rising star Jack Wilshere, who has now been ruled out of the Euros with a foot problem. Before Stuart Pearce had the opportunity to get too excited, Wenger poured scorn on the idea of Wilshere representing Great Britain at the Olympics.

Arsenal's boss is adamant that Wilshere's pre-season is crucial to his recovery and playing a load of games in quick succession would be madness. Perhaps he has a point on this occasion.