Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow as it has emerged that midfielder Mohamed Elneny is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in their 2-1 win over Fulham on Saturday.
The Egyptian was brought into the side to replace Thomas Partey, who himself had suffered an injury the day before the clash at the Emirates, and played the full 90 minutes as Gabriel’s late header made up for his earlier mistake and kept his side’s 100% record afloat in the Premier League this season.
However, Elneny picked up an injury in that game that was only spotted after the clash, and as per the Athletic, the resulting issue is set to keep him sidelined for a not insignificant amount of time.
“Although Arsenal and Elneny are believed to be awaiting the full extent, initial indications suggest he is expected to be sidelined for a substantial period”, they report.
It means that Sambi Lokonga may be asked to make his first appearance of the season when the Gunners host Aston Villa on Wednesday evening. Alternatively, Ben White could be asked to fill in at the base of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, with Takehiro Tomiyasu returning to right back.
A change of transfer strategy?
The injury could see Arsenal change their transfer strategy in the final days of the window. Previously, it was thought that they would target a winger, with Pedro Neto among those under consideration. Now, however, they may be forced to return to bolstering midfield.
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“Elneny’s setback may see Arsenal pivot to pursue a recruit in his area of the pitch. It is thought financial considerations would make it difficult to buy both a winger and a midfielder in the coming days”, the Athletic add.
While it is good news for Mikel Arteta that the injury occurred while the club can still dip into the transfer market, it leaves very little time to source a replacement.
