Arsenal have confirmed defender Hector Bellerin is facing up to nine months out with a serious knee injury.
The Spanish full-back ruptured knee ligaments as he stretched for the ball during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, and left the pitch on a stretcher.
It’s cruel timing for the 23-year-old, who was making his first start since mid-December having overcome a calf problem, and his frustration and agony was clear.
He will now miss the remainder of the season, and possibly the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
Rumours of the severity of Bellerin’s injury surfaced on Monday evening, and Arsenal confirmed the news with a statement on Tuesday morning,
“Further to the injury sustained during our match against Chelsea on Saturday, we can confirm that Hector has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee,” it read.
“Hector will undergo surgery to repair this in the coming days.
“The rehabilitation process is expected to take between six to nine months and therefore rules Hector out of action for the remainder of this season.
“Everyone at the club will now be working as hard as we can to ensure Hector is back on the pitch as soon as possible next season.”
Bellerin’s Arsenal team-mate Rob Holding suffered a similar injury in a 2-2 draw at Manchester United on December 5.
While the January transfer window would allow Arsenal to bring in cover at right-back, Emery does have options in Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Carl Jenkinson – who was expected to be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium this month before Bellerin’s setback.
Bellerin was trying to stay positive on Twitter and thanked fans for their support.
He tweeted (@HectorBellerin): “There are no obstacles in life you can’t get over.
“Been a difficult couple of days but I’m positive and ready to take whatever challenge comes my way. Thank you so much for the love and messages, you are incredible.”