LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal's hopes of capturing their first Premier League title in 12 years took a huge hit on Friday with news that goalkeeper Petr Cech faces up to a month out injured.

The Czech Republic international suffered a muscular problem at the end of Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Swansea City.

That reverse left the Gunners six points below Premier League leaders Leicester City in third place, ahead of Saturday's trip to second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Cech's absence, confirmed by manager Arsene Wenger at a press conference on Friday, thrusts Colombian World Cup goalkeeper David Ospina into the spotlight.

Former Chelsea star Cech injured his calf as he raced back towards his own penalty area after coming up for a corner against Swansea.