Unai Emery provides Hector Bellerin’s injury update

Unai Emery provides an injury update on Hector Bellerin.

After a shambolic outing at Olympic Stadium in a 1-0 loss to West Ham United, Unai Emery’s side was able to come out on top against Chelsea as they beat their arch-rivals 2-0 at the Emirates on Saturday.

Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny’s goals in the first half was able to seal the win. The Gunners were pretty much shaky at the back but got the job done by gaining a clean sheet for the first time since the early December fixture against Huddersfield Town.

Unlike other defenders, Hector Bellerin had an excellent game and did not allow Willian much space to exploit and contributed well towards the attacking part of the game too.

 

Albeit securing a clean sheet after this much span of time, they suffered a huge blow as their right-back Hector Bellerin suffered a knee injury when he was battling to win the ball with his compatriot Marcos Alonso.

He did not collide with anyone, but he held his knee when his foot hit the ground. The Spanish International was carried off by a stretcher as he was not able to move his foot with ease.

The video suggested that the defender suffered a major knee blow.

As it is visible, it looks like a worse injury for Bellerin, but Unai Emery hopes that it is not a case for the right-back who is crucial to his plans.

The Spaniard spoke in the post-match press conference 

“We have to wait until tomorrow, it’s his knee. The first prediction is it can be an important injury.

“I hope not, but first impressions are not positive.”

Despite the injury to Hector Bellerin, Unai Emery is positive about his backup options stepping up to cover the loophole left the Spaniard.

“We have Ainsley, playing with good ‘pieces’. He played well today and can help us playing at right-back or right winger. Also Lichsteiner is another player who can play there. We have the players. I don’t forget Jenkinson who has played some matches and can be used if we need him.” he added.

There is no doubt all three have the capability to play through the defensive part of the right flank. But, the amount of gap when it comes down to the quality is way too much.

The Gunners will be facing Manchester United and Manchester City in the next three games and they will be hoping that their right-back is back soon on the pitch. Arsenal will play Manchester United in the FA Cup on Friday night.