Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has reportedly been ruled out for the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with a ruptured cruciate knee ligament. Bellerin, 23, went down in a heap in the 72nd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea and was unable to continue, with Mohamed Elneny coming on as a replacement at the Emirates. After the win, Unai Emery admitted that he expected Bellerin to be out for a lengthy period and scans have now confirmed the worst for Bellerin and the Gunners. According to The Guardian, the severity of Bellerin’s injury means the Spaniard may even struggle to return for the start of next season.
The right-back now must wait to discover whether any damage has been done to the meniscus and other parts of the joint. Bellerin, who missed four weeks of action with a calf problem before Arsenal’s defeat of Chelsea, will likely be replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Stephan Lichtsteiner in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Carl Jenkinson is another option for Emery at right-back but the Englishman is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League so far this term. Emery has already played down the prospect of Arsenal finding a replacement for Bellerin in the January transfer window.
