Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Martinelli being assessed ahead of Leeds; Kieran Tierney expected back in training in March
Thursday 2 January 2020 20:20, UK
Arsenal defender Calum Chambers will be out for between six and nine months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee against Chelsea.
An Arsenal statement said: "Further to the injury sustained during the match against Chelsea on Sunday, we can confirm that Calum ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.
"Calum has had successful surgery in London on Thursday morning. The rehabilitation process is expected to take between six to nine months.
"Everyone at the club will be supporting Calum to ensure he is back on the pitch as soon as possible."
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admitted the club could be more active than expected in the January transfer window after Chambers had surgery.
It leaves new boss Arteta short of options in defence and he will meet with technical director Edu and head of football Raul Sanllehi this week to mull over plans for the month.
Asked what fans can expect from Arsenal in the winter window, the Spaniard said: "That we will try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team, that's for sure and our obligation and we will be working on that.
"My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve. Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back.
"The reality is we will not be able to do much. I'm more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what we're trying to do.
"And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then let's do it."
Chambers' injury was described as "significant" by Arteta and while he did not want to put a timescale on his recovery, he conceded: "It is not looking good."
Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.
Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.
Meanwhile, the Transfer Talk podcast will also be back at the turn of the year with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.
And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.
