Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Mohamed Elneny celebrate after the match
Injury expert Ben Dinnery says that Mohamed Elneny may not play for Arsenal again this season after his latest injury setback.
The Lowdown: ‘Significant injury’
Arsenal confirmed last week that the Egypt international has suffered a ‘significant injury’ to his right knee, which will keep him out of action for an ‘extended period of time’.
The north London club did not make it clear exactly how long the 30-year-old will be expected to be sidelined for, but Dinnery has now given a timeline.
The Latest: May not play again this season
Speaking to Football Insider, the injury expert says that Elneny is expected to be out for months rather than weeks, and it is ‘very touch-and-go’ whether he will even feature again this season.
Dinnery 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 key injuries.”
The Verdict: Not ideal
If Elneny is believed to be out for the season, as Dinnery has said, then it is certainly not an ideal situation for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
It would leave the Spaniard with just two naturally defensively-minded midfielders in his senior squad – one of whom is new signing Jorginho, who will still need time to settle in; and Thomas Partey, who has been prone to injury himself in the past.
With eight appearances in total over all competitions so far this season, including four starts, Elneny has been able to step in when required for the Gunners, but now it looks like they will no longer have that luxury.
Given that injury blow, it has to be questioned why Albert Sambi Lokonga was allowed to go to Crystal Palace on loan, with Arsenal now looking short in midfield.
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