Arsenal manager Unai Emery has acknowledged that Hector Bellerin’s injury is worrying and the Spaniard could potentially be sidelined for an extended period once a thorough assessment is made regarding the setback.
The Spain international had missed most of the festive period with a calf issue and the start against Chelsea was his first in five weeks after making a substitute appearance against West Ham United last time around.
Bellerin did not have the best of beginnings in the defensive side of things but he thereafter made his impact in the attack with the assist for Alexandre Lacazette’s sublime opener before making vital interceptions as the game progressed.
Nonetheless, his game ended on a sad note after going down injured in the second period while clutching his left knee, although there was no contact from an opposition player around him.
Speaking after the game, Emery was far from confident with regards to the fitness of the right-back and he has admitted that the injury could be an extended one with the timeline expected in the next few days.
“We are going to wait until tomorrow. It is his knee and the first prediction maybe can be an important injury. Tomorrow we will speak with the doctor. I hope not, but it is not very positive, our first impression,” he was quoted on Arsenal.com.
Arsenal have recently witnessed the return of key defenders from injury but the setback for Bellerin is set to present a major concern, given Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Stephan Lichtsteiner don’t offer the same attributes when it comes to crossing from the right flank.
Emery has already indicated that the club are limited to loan signings for the transfer window and it will be interesting to see whether the club step up for another recruit, should Bellerin remain sidelined for an extended period of time.
