ARSENAL have been hit with a further defensive injury crisis as left-back Kieran Tierney is out for three months after surgery on his dislocated shoulder.
The Scot suffered the injury against West Ham on December 9 and was subbed off with his arm in a makeshift sling.
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Arsenal confirmed the defender had successful surgery and will rehabilitate for three months, aiming to return to full training in March.
Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Martinelli both have hamstring problems, and will be assessed ahead of the Gunners FA Cup clash against Leeds on Monday.
But Calum Chambers – who is able to play at both right-back or centre-back – ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee against Chelsea last week.
He had surgery on Thursday morning, but his recovery is expected to take between six to nine months.
With the winter window now open, Emirates boss Mikel Arteta insisted his focus remains on players returning from injury.
Arteta said: We will try to be in the market to see options that can strengthen the team, thats for sure and our obligation and we will be working on that.
My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve. Obviously we have a bad injury with Calum a few days ago that will change our plans at the back.
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The reality is we will not be able to do much.
Im more concerned about getting players back from injury and try to improve the players I have here, get everybody on board and understanding what were trying to do.
And if something extra comes up and we think it is the right opportunity to improve what we have, then lets do it.
