Hector Bellerin has reportedly ruptured his cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of Arsenal’s season.
The 23-year-old was stretchered off in the 72nd minute of their 2-0 win over Chelsea after suffering the injury at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Sun reported that the swelling was so severe around the knee that medical staff had not been able to carry out an MRI scan.
The news was confirmed on Monday night, by The Guardian, that the injury was as feared and he faces a battle to be ready for next season.
He is also waiting on scans to reveal if he has suffered damage to his meniscus and other parts of the joint.
The timescale for recovery from a ruptured cruciate ligament is around six months.
The Spaniard was making his return to the Gunners’ starting XI after picking up a calf injury against Southampton in December.
Unai Emery was not confident about the injury when speaking to the press following the match.
The Spaniard said: “The prediction is it could be an important injury.
“We have to wait until tomorrow, but first impressions are not positive.”