Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal will be without defender Shkodran Mustafi until after the next international break, adding to his defensive woes ahead of their Premier League return.
The German international limped off with a hamstring problem during their World Cup qualifier win over Azerbaijan.
Wenger has confirmed that the 25-year-old will be out for between a month and six weeks, meaning he could make his return in the north London derby against Tottenham following the final international break of 2017.
Mustafi will, though, miss key Premier League games against Everton and Manchester City, while also having to sit out two Europa League encounters with Red Star Belgrade.
Wenger could call on Frenchman Laurent Koscielny to replace Mustafi, though he must pass a fitness test on Friday before they travel to Watford on Saturday.
The Gunners will also be without Sead Kolansinac who has a hip problem, while Calum Chambers - who signed a new two year extension at the club this week - remains injured, though Wegner is keen to see him ‘blossom’ once he returns.
“He is going towards his best years now,” Wenger said on his new deal.
“I believe it’s important we keep our young centre-backs, they blossom at 24 so it’s important to keep them in that period.”
