Spanner in the Works:
Arsenal’s summer business, which already looked difficult, could become even more frustrating if the injury to Hector Bellerin turns out to be serious.
The Spaniard limped off the pitch during Arsenal’s game against Chelsea after coming on just 22 minutes earlier as a substitute. Reaching to clear a high ball into the box, Bellerin appeared to overstretch and injure his hamstring in the process. Although he tried to continue, the Spaniard was down again two minutes later and had to be replaced by Calum Chambers.
Euros hope and transfer plans:
The injury will come as a cruel blow both for Bellerin and for Arsenal, and could have a huge knock-on effect on their summer plans. The injury, if serious, effectively leaves the Spaniard with no chance of making Spain’s squad for the European Championships this summer. Bellerin was called up to the national side for the friendlies in November but will be facing a race against time to make the beginning of the tournament on the 11th June.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It also leaves Mikel Arteta and Arsenal in a difficult position. Bellerin has shown signs of being unhappy in North London and is reportedly one of five senior players that are looking to leave the club in the summer. With Juventus, PSG and Barcelona all having been linked in the past, it was assumed that Arsenal would not be short of suitors should they have looked to move the 26-year-old on.
With this injury concern however, the picture may become slightly more muddied were Arsenal looking to sell, as is widely reported. Whilst they were looking to get a fee of around £25m for the Spaniard, they may have to sell for less if they wanted to get him out of the door this summer.
This could have a knock-on effect on Arsenal’s summer business, which is expected to be significant. Were Arteta looking to overhaul the squad, he would need to find ways to free up funds, and the sale of Hector Bellerin was expected to contribute significantly to this.
Regardless of whether Bellerin is heading out of North London this summer or not, Arsenal will be hoping that the injury suffered at Stamford Bridge will not be a dampener on an otherwise brilliant result away to Chelsea.
Read more:
Writing on the wall for Hector Bellerin at Arsenal as insight provided into absence vs West Ham
Arsenal’s two targets to replace PSG-linked Hector Bellerin revealed
