Mustafi ruled out of Watford game

Ah, international football. The thrill, the excitement, the injuring of key club players with reckless abandon for money and a fleeting sense of nationalism. Whoopie!

Reports today indicate that after being examined by Arsenal medical staff, Shkodran Mustafi has been rule out of Saturday’s game against Watford. The German international limped off after 36 minutes in Germany’s match against Azerbaijan after crocking himself during the build up to visitor’s tying goal. Germany would cruise the second half to win 5-1, anyway.

The injury, if serious, could be the start of Arsenal’s first selection crisis of the season, already missing Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers to knocks. The team is expect to reassess Koscielny but would expect to lean on Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal and Rob Holding to make up the back line until health returns. Options to return to a back four or use Sead Kolasinac or Hector Bellerin in a back three also exist but might muck with a system that appears to be finding its feet again. Either way, Wenger has a pickle to solve.

Begin your bubble wrapping procedures, gentlemen.