Arsenal have confirmed that Hector Bellerin has ruptured the anterior crucial ligament on his left knee and this should keep him out of action between six and nine months with an operation required to rectify the problem. The Spaniard had made his maiden league start for the Gunners in over a month against Chelsea last weekend but he could not last the entire 90 minutes after sustaining the long-term injury.

Speaking after the 2-0 triumph, manager Unai Emery confirmed that the defender could be sidelined for the long-term and the Gunners have now revealed that remains the case after a thorough medical examination. A statement on the club’s website read: “Further to the injury sustained during our match against Chelsea on Saturday, we can confirm that Hector has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. Hector will undergo surgery to repair this in the coming days. The rehabilitation process is expected to take between six to nine months and therefore rules Hector out of action for the remainder of this season.”

Bellerin has been the Gunners’ “the main creator this term despite featuring on the right side of the defence“ and the Spaniard has already contributed eight assists including one for Alexandre Lacazette to open the scoring last weekend. As such, his long-term absence would undoubtedly be a huge “blow for the Gunners“, who are currently on the hunt for a top-four finish to the season.

Arsenal are presently three points behind Chelsea in the pursuit of the final Champions League spot and the games against the elite teams may make or break their prospects of returning to the elite competition next term. The north London giants could do the same by winning the Europa League altogether but they have stiff competition with Inter, Chelsea, and Roma among the major clubs vying for the silverware.