Arsenal have confirmed what many suspected: Lucas Torreira is likely done for the season. The fractured right ankle he suffered against Portsmouth is expected to take 8 to 10 weeks to heal. Technically, a two-month recovery has him back for the second to last or final game of the season, but I doubt he’ll be match-ready in time even if he’s healed.
David Ornstein reported today that Hector Bellerin suffered a groin tear during warmups for the Newcastle match in mid-February — the one where he was a late scratch from the lineup. The right back has been taking painkillers to try to play, but it’s been affecting his form. Ornstein says that it is particularly affecting his ability to cross the ball. As we’ve said for a while, coming back from an ACL injury is not easy. Muscle strains and tears can happen as you re-strengthen your leg and get back to full fitness. It can be an 18-month injury for some. It’s at least good to know that Bellerin’s clear dip in form has an explanation.
Bellerin and Torreira join Sead Kolasinac (“significant” shoulder strain - out until at least the end of the month) and Calum Chambers (ACL tear - out for the season) on the shelf for the Gunners. It appears that Bellerin and the club have decided for him to manage the injury rather than take time off, but his usage has declined dramatically.
There is a bit of good news on the injury front — Kieran Tierney is back in full training and Cedric Soares is expected in training this week. Additionally, Shkodran Mustafi’s thigh injury is not believed to be serious; it appears to be a day-to-day thing.