Arsenal confirm defender will miss start of next season

Arsenal have confirmed that Shkodran Mustafi will miss the start of the 2020/21 season after undergoing a minor surgery for a hamstring problem.

The Germany international picked up the injury during the club's 2-0 win over Manchester City earlier this month and manager Mikel Arteta recently confirmed that the centre-back would miss the start of next season.

It has now been revealed that the 28-year-old has undergone a minor procedure to his right hamstring and won't return to full training until October at the least.

"Shkodran had a successful small procedure to his right hamstring on Saturday. He is aiming to return to full training in October," a statement on the club's official website.

Aside from Mustafi, Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari are the other centre-backs, who are sidelined with long-term injuries and they are also expected to miss the start of next season.

Arteta has confirmed that the club must recruit another central defender following the setback for Mustafi. It remains to be seen whether the board are willing to back him with the funds.