The international break is always a very anxious time for managers and fans of club football, as they hope their stars can return from their time with their respective national teams, injury free.
Anxious times for Bellerin
The news this morning emerges from the Spanish camp, and Arsenal in particular, as Hector Bellerin suffered an injury last night. The Spanish right-back will reportedly be assessed today for a suspected ankle injury, after taking a knock during Spain U-21’s 3-0 win over San Marino.
The Arsenal camp will have their fingers crossed while awaiting the outcome of Bellerin’s injury. The 21 year-old right back has been outstanding since his emergence in North London back in 2014. With his place in the starting eleven secure, it would be a huge inconvenience for Arsenal to lose his services, should he be forced to rest.
With fixtures coming thick and fast for the Gunners, both in Europe and the Premier League, Arsene Wenger may need to reconsider his options at the back. Arsenal veteran, Kieran Gibbs would expectedly be the first point of call - despite being a left sided full back - the defender has looked encouraging in his recent cameo’s for the club.
After two seasons away from the Arsenal spotlight, Carl Jenkinson has returned to training following a cruciate injury, leaving him out of action for an extensive period. The English right-back could be an option for Wenger to consider, however it would be expected that a return to the field is a thing of the near future for Jenkinson at this moment.
Delight for Monreal
More news emerging from the Spanish camp today is the recall of Nacho Monreal to the senior squad. Following an unfortunate injury to Barcelona’s Jordi Alba, Julen Lopetegui has opted for the experience of Monreal to cover Alba’s absence in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
The Arsenal left-back has been away from the national team since his last appearance back in 2013. Commonly referred to as the unsung hero at Arsenal, his rising form at club level has not gone unnoticed it would seem, as the 30-year-old prepares to re-adorn the Spanish kit.
As Bellerin waits for the verdict regarding his injury, Monreal is expected to start for Spain in their upcoming game against Albania in the World Cup qualifiers.