Tuesday 10 October 2017 14:25, UK
Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out of Saturday's game at Watford after injuring his hamstring in Germany's victory over Azerbaijan.
The centre-back, who was assessed by Arsenal's medical staff on Monday, was forced off after 36 minutes of the qualifier in Kaiserslautern which saw the World Cup holders claim a 10th straight win in the qualification stages for next year's tournament in Russia.
Mustafi, who has made five domestic appearances for the Gunners so far this season, pulled up and went to ground in the build-up to Azerbaijan's equalising goal, and needed treatment before leaving the field to be replaced by Matthias Ginter.
Arsenal's next match is against Watford on October 14 and, with Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers both nursing knocks, Arsene Wenger is struggling for defensive options ahead of the evening kick-off at Vicarage Road.
Germany's medical team were concerned Mustafi would be a doubt for their next international break, Sky Sports News understands, which includes a friendly against England at Wembley on November 10 but are waiting for updates from Arsenal over the next few days.
Germany boss Joachim Loew said following the fixture: "It doesn't look good, it looks like he had torn a ligament. We're waiting for a full diagnosis, but it looks like he will be out for a while."
Mustafi was rested as Germany beat Northern Ireland last week to assure top spot in their group, but he was brought into the side for Mats Hummels as Low switched to a back-three.
