Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has sustained a muscle injury, the Egyptian Football Association have confirmed, leaving his participation for the Gunners against Norwich City in doubt.
The midfielder was away on international duty with his nation and was expected to take part in the Pharaoh’s 2024 World Cup qualifier against Gabon on Sunday.
He had already missed the first game against Angola due to the rules surrounding mandatory quarantine for those visiting Covid-19 red-listed countries.
Now, he has also been ruled out for the upcoming tie against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon, the EFA have confirmed via a statement released on their official Twitter page.
It was revealed that Elneny had suffered a muscle injury in training with Arsenal, with the Gunners having informed the nation ahead of the international break that he was not fully fit.
The injury is suspected to have occurred during Arsenal’s behind-closed-doors victory against Brentford, a game that the Gunners won 4-0. Elneny was withdrawn during the 33rd minute, although it was not confirmed to have been anything sinister. football.london understands that the move was just a precaution.
Any injury could also put a block on any hopes that the 29-year-old has of securing a move away from north London.
football.london understands he is currently assessing his options after two foreign clubs made contact with the Gunners over a possible transfer.
The injury news is the latest in a string of midfield issues for the Gunners ahead of their basement battle with Norwich City next weekend. Granit Xhaka is already suspended following his red card against Manchester City, whilst Thomas Partey is yet to regain full fitness.
Should Elneny also miss out, this leaves a likely midfield pairing of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to take on the Canaries at the Emirates Stadium.
