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Arsenal have confirmed that midfielder Granit Xhaka will be sidelined for three months after a medial knee ligament injury.
The Switzerland international suffered the damage during the north London derby last weekend after Lucas Moura fell on his right leg.
Initial examination suggested that he could be out for at least six weeks, and the Gunners have now confirmed a longer timescale.
The former club captain is expected to be out for approximately three months, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the year.
"Granit’s recovery and rehabilitation programme will start immediately and we are aiming for him to be back in action in approximately three months." a statement on Arsenal.com read.
The news will come as a huge blow for the Gunners. Xhaka has been an undisputed starter alongside Thomas Partey in midfield when fit.
In his absence, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles should get more minutes alongside Thomas Partey.
Partey has returned back to his best after overcoming an injury of his own. It has now become pivotal for the club to keep him fit and firing.
The club may be compelled to sign a midfielder in January with Partey and Elneny set to be absent for five weeks due to African Cup of Nations duty.
Written by Sri Aswin
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