Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny could miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, according to an injury expert, in what will be a major blow to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
The Egyptian midfielder suffered the injury in training prior to last month’s north London derby against Tottenham, and was not named in the matchday squad for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arteta spoke of his concerns in a pre-match press conference prior to the following week’s FA Cup clash against Manchester City (via the official Arsenal website): “He had some issues with his knee that we are assessing at the moment, and we’ll have to wait and see how he evolves in the next couple of days.
“There are some concerns [over potential long-term injury], especially as Mo never complains about anything, but let’s see.”
Elneny has not played since then, and Arsenal recruited Jorginho from Chelsea on transfer deadline day to add depth to their midfield.
Now, it has been claimed that the Egyptian may not play again this season.
Mohamed Elneny: Expert gives verdict on Arsenal star’s injury
Ben Dinnery, who runs the sports injury analysis firm Premier Injuries, gave his view on the extent of Elneny’s knee problem.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It looks as though Elneny is facing a severe injury at Arsenal. We’re certainly talking months on the sidelines instead of weeks with this one.
“I understand that it is very touch-and-go whether Elneny will even play again this season. The arrival of Jorginho in January is a good indicator that Mikel Arteta feels vulnerable and fragile in those positions.
“Arsenal will be very worried about that midfield area, with Thomas Partey not boasting the best injury record either. It was a wise move to bring somebody in to just offer cover and quality in case Arsenal are hit with more injuries.”
The Gunners now have Partey and Jorginho who can play in a deeper midfield role, with Albert Sambi Lokonga having joined Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season on deadline day.
Granit Xhaka can also play in that role, but has enjoyed plenty of success in a more advanced midfield position this season, while left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is another option if required.
Given Elneny’s suspected long-term injury, Jorginho’s arrival could be significant in more ways than one as the Gunners, who are currently five points clear at the top of the division with a game in hand on second-placed City, challenge for the Premier League title.
SOURCE: sportbible.com
