Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is expected to miss the start of the new season as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury. The Spain international has been sidelined since January after he suffered what was later discovered to be an ACL issue during the Gunners’ 2-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea.
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The initial prognosis was that the 24-year-old would be sidelined for six to nine months although Arsenal were hopeful he would be able to return for pre-season and then feature in their Premier League opener against Newcastle on August 11.
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However, it now appears it will be nearer the nine-month mark before Bellerin is able to return to action, which means he is likely to miss not only the match against Newcastle, but also the trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool and the home games with Burnley and north London rivals Tottenham.
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Arsenal are short of right-back options at the moment as Stephan Lichtsteiner, who started last season as back-up to Bellerin, has been released, which leaves youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles as the primary choice in that position.
