Mikel Arteta should dip into the academy to cover Mustafi injury absence

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Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi is set for a short spell on the sidelines, after leaving the pitch on a stretcher against Bournemouth on Monday.

The German has suffered a sprained ankle as reported by Sky Sports, which will be taken as a positive given the worrying scenes as he left the action.

There were initial fears Mustafi had sustained ankle ligament damage, but a sprain should see him miss only a handful of matches for the Gunners.

It leaves Arsenal somewhat down to the barebones defensively, with Calum Chambers out for the season.

Mikel Arteta only has David Luiz, Sokratis and Rob Holding at his disposal, although there has been talk about Pablo Mari coming in from Flamengo.

With Mustafi looking at a few weeks out, perhaps Arteta ought to turn the club’s academy to add defensive cover.

TBR’s view – A chance for Clarke?

Perhaps this could be a chance for highly rated youngster Harry Clarke to get some involvement with the first-team.

The ball-playing defender, who has made 14 appearances U23 this term, could come in as short-term cover for Mustafi, and get some experience of training with the first-team.

The likelihood is that he would not actually play for the first-team, but perhaps just occupy a position on the bench.

It surely couldn’t harm for him to get to experience matchdays with some of the club’s top stars.

There’s a chance Mustafi could be ruled out of the club’s winter break to Dubai, which would certainly be an opportunity for Arteta to get a good look at Clarke.

Arsenal may well need to replace Mustafi in the summer, and Clarke has the potential to save the club millions if he was able to impress Arteta.