Arsenal will be without Sokratis Papastathopoulos for a month in a further blow to their hopes of a top four finish.
There is better news surrounding Laurent Koscielny’s condition though, with the Gunners continuing to monitor their captain.
Unai Emery’s side were dumped out of the FA Cup on Friday night with Manchester United advancing to the fifth round with a 3-1 win at the Emirates and the Spaniard will be without the defensive pair for the Premier League clash with Cardiff City on Tuesday.
The Greek international fell awkwardly on his ankle vs United after battling for the ball with Jesse Lingard and was replaced by Shkodran Mustafi after 21 minutes.
Whilst the Gunners skipper took a boot to the head from Romelu Lukaku to rule him out of the game.
Arsenal have since provided an update, with bad news concerning Sokratis and his left ankle, with the 30-year-old “expected to return to full training by the end of February.”
There is better news for Gunners fans with Koscielny’s update revealing there is “bruising and soft tissue swelling to face and jaw,” and whilst the issue is not serious, the centre-back will be “reviewed on a daily basis.”
Emery’s initial view on the injuries was optimistic, stating: ”I think they weren’t big injuries for Sokratis [his ankle]. Maybe Laurent Koscielny is going to hospital to [analyse] what injury he has. Maybe he’s broken [his cheek or jaw] but I hope not.”
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be back soon from a fractured metatarsal in his right foot and the player is being “integrated back into full training.”
Hector Bellerin’s left knee problem is still being assessed ahead of surgery, with Rob Holding rehabilitating after successful surgery on his left knee.
Danny Welbeck is still out with a right ankle injury.
