Gunners star picked up knock in North London derby against Spurs, and withdrew from Spain’s U21 squad
HECTOR BELLERIN has lengthened Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s injury list after being ruled out for a month with an ankle problem.
The right-back withdrew from Spain’s Under 21 squad this international break, and has been assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff after suffering a recurrence of an ankle injury.
Bellerin, 21, who has agreed a new six-year deal to stay at the Emirates, played the full game in Sunday’s North London derby draw against Tottenham but was unable to take part in full training with Spain.
He suffered a kick on the ankle by Tottenham’s Danny Rose but was hopeful the problem would resolve itself as he teamed up with the Spanish youngsters ahead of their clash with Austria on Friday.
The right-back originally thought it was only a minor injury and therefore travelled to Spain to join the U21 squad ahead of the European Championship playoff qualifier with Austria.
He picked up the knock in the previous international break during Spain Under-21s Euro 2017 qualifier against San Marino U21s last month.
It will see him miss a crucial run of games that will see the Gunners visit Manchester United on 19 November, four days before a Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal face four games in the space of 11 days before the end of the month.
After the games with United and the Ligue 1 champions PSG, they host Bournemouth in the Premier League before their EFL Cup quarter-final with Southampton.
Arsenal’s medical staff are more optimistic about Bellerin than Gunners forward Lucas Perez, who has suffered a similar injury in October which will see him out for between six and eight weeks.
But it adds to Arsene Wenger’s woes despite a strong start to the season, as talisman Alexis Sanchez is likely to be ruled out for SIX WEEKS after suffering a tear while training with Chile.
Discussion about this post