Arsenal dealt major blow regarding 'massive' player, Arteta will be gutted

Arsenal have been dealt a big blow as Granit Xhaka is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Switzerland international is out for up to three months after suffering a knee injury in the derby win over Spurs.

An accidental collision with Lucas Moura left Xhaka on the ground and in pain before he trudged off the pitch in the 82nd minute.

Worryingly, the 29-year-old left the Emirates Stadium with a knee brace on his right leg.

And on Wednesday, the Arsenal media team confirmed that Xhaka suffered a significant injury to his medial knee ligament.

“A specialist consultation took place in London on Tuesday evening which has determined that Granit does not require surgery,” they wrote.

“Granit’s recovery and rehabilitation programme will start immediately.

“We are aiming for him to be back in action in approximately three months.”

Arsenal without “phenomenal” player for months

Arteta will be absolutely gutted over Xhaka’s injury for a number of reasons.

The Spaniard rates the midfield enforcer highly, having previously deemed him “phenomenal” and praising his attitude.

“(Xhaka) came back and he was fine because he really looks after himself,” he told the Arsenal media team last week.

“He was training and as he always is, he gives you the maximum and the best possible attitude to compete and win matches.”

Arsenal legend Paul Merson wrote on Sky Sports: “I would rather have him on the pitch than not at Arsenal.

“He’s a massive trier and he cares but it’s just about getting the right characters there and making the right decisions.”

Xhaka might split opinion amongst fans, but there’s no denying he gives his all and is a useful squad member.

Also, Arsenal are likely to be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny early next year due to Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Both Ghana and Egypt have qualified, and Partey and Elneny could be away for up to three weeks.

Therefore, if Xhaka isn’t available by then, Arteta could be without three central midfielders.

Of course, Arsenal could delve into the transfer market.

But having spent so much money in the summer, can they afford a big-money midfielder mid-season?

And obviously, could they persuade a club to part company with such an important played mid-season?

This could all pose a big headache for Arteta in the short term and medium term this season.