Arsenal have been dealt a potential blow after Shkodran Mustafi picked up an injury while on international duty with Germany.
Mustafi went down unchallenged, appearing to be in clear pain during the world champions’ World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan.
Germany won the game 5-1, maintaining a 100 per cent record through the group stage.
On first look it seems Mustafi has sustained a muscle injury, which could keep the German out for several weeks.
Germany boss Joachim Loew said: “It doesn’t look good, it looks like he had torn a ligament. We’re waiting for a full diagnosis, but it looks like he will be out for a while.”
Mustafi has had an inconsistent start to the season for Arsenal, playing impressively against Chelsea and poorly versus West Bromwich Albion.
After being linked with a summer exit, 25-year-old Mustafi had made five league starts this season for the Gunners.
An injury leaves a lack of options for a three-man defence behind Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding and Per Mertesacker, and Arsene Wenger could be pushed into a tactical reshuffle.
Here is a look at how Arsenal fans reacted on Twitter to Mustafi going down injured…
After the Mustafi news I'm forced to say something I thought I'd never ever have to say… I wish Gabriel was still with us 😔
— The 4th Best (@4th_best) October 8, 2017
I’ve been here laughing at injured kante and fellaini only to find out my Mustafi is injured too🤔🤔.
— D E G B E M I I (@degbemii) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/MasonWebb14/status/917135612741935105
So weird the same people who abused Mustafi for 90 minutes in every game are now gutted he’s injured 😂😂
— Raiden (@HandofArteta) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/TimJames1989/status/917139048845791234
https://twitter.com/A96oaye/status/917139405839699970
Mustafi injured 😭😭😭 #AFC
— Shaheen (@topgooner100) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/ZinedineZelaIem/status/917134440022859776
Cant blame Wenger for the Mustafi injury but can blame him for not taking up the first option when Cesc left Barca
— Shabs (@Redbutdred) October 9, 2017
Mustafi injury looks bad. Goes down out of nowhere
— Joe (@jbaseball44) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/amirulgooner/status/917309862610006016
Mustafi injured 🤕. November curse seems gonna be crazy this year.
— Ojo Olayiwola Adisa 🇳🇬 (@Olayiwolar1) October 9, 2017