Arsenal’s midfield issues deepen with Mohamed Elneny ‘suffering a significant hamstring injury’

Arsenal have reportedly been rocked by the news midfielder Mohamed Elneny sustained a long-term hamstring injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Fulham.

The Egypt midfielder made his first appearance of the season at the weekend and played the full 90 minutes as the Premier League leaders made it four wins from four this season.

He replaced Thomas Partey – who missed out due to a tight right thigh – in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI as they came from a goal down at Emirates Stadium to retain their unblemished start to the campaign.

The Egyptian replaced Thomas Partey (left), who himself was out due to a tight right thigh

But The Athletic claim the 30-year-old suffered a significant injury during the victory, and claim it was not until after the match that the issue became apparent.

Elneny’s injury is reportedly being assessed and it is not yet known how long he will be out of action, but initial indications suggest he could miss a substantial chunk of the season.

His injury adds to a worsening midfield situation at Arsenal, with Ghana international Partey also expected to miss a couple of weeks with his thigh problem, according to football.london.

It leaves just Albert Sambi Lokonga – who has played just three minutes so far this term – and Ainsley Maitland-Niles – who has been in talks with Southampton over a move – as natural partners for Granit Xhaka in midfield.

He played the full 90 minutes as the Premier League leaders made it four wins from four

His injury leaves just Albert Sambi Lokonga (left) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (right) as natural partners for Granit Xhaka

Summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko – who also missed the victory against Fulham due to an ankle knock – could fill in and allow Kieran Tierney to come in at left-back.

It remains to be seen if the Gunners now head into the transfer market with less than three days of the window left to resolve their shortage of numbers in the area.

They were believed to be targeting a new winger before the window slams shut on Thursday, but those plans may change following injuries to Elneny and Partey.

The Gunners are also interested in signing Youri Tielemans, who has just one year left on his deal at Leicester.

Elneny signed a new one-year contract extension at the end of last season after some fine displays in Arteta’s midfield following Partey’s injury at Crystal Palace in April. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko (above) could fill in and allow Kieran Tierney to come in at left-back