Arsene Wenger has revealed that Shkodran Mustafi has sustained a bad hamstring injury during his side’s 3-1 victory over Stoke City at the Emirates,
The German international, who joined the club from Valencia in the summer has forged an solid partnership with Koscielny in the heart of the Gunners defence.
The 24-year-old limped off the pitch after just 25 minutes after complaining of tightness in his hamstring, with Hector Bellerin coming on in his place as Gabriel moved to center-back.
Wenger revealed that he expects the German international to be out atleast until the New Year, while also suggesting that the defender will enjoy the festive period.
When asked about Mustafi’s condition, Wenger told Arsenal’s official website:
It’s a bad one. He had nothing in midweek. I would not have played him today (if he had). I had Hector Bellerin on the bench. I could have played Holding or Gabriel. He wanted to play in Basel, because he said ‘no it’s nothing’, and it was completely clear.
I checked three times and there was no problem for. I don’t know why it happened, but it looks a ‘good’ hamstring strain.
Look, the minimum when you go out like that is 21 days. After that, today is December 10, so you are 21 days, that means he’ll have a nice Christmas!
The German’s injury means Wenger must now call on one of Gabriel Paulista or Rob Holding to partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back.
Per Mertesacker would perhaps be the obvious choice given his experience, but he’s recovering from injury himself and is not expected back until the New Year. Even when the 32-year-old returns, though, his serious lack of pace will be a concern.
Meanwhile, Paulista is more mobile and is quite stable defensively, while Holding has started well for the North London club but remains inexperienced.
If Arsenal are to sustain a title challenge and have any hope of progressing far in the UEFA Champions League, keeping the likes of Mustafi fit is critical.
