ARSENAL have revealed Sead Kolasinac’s injury is “significant” but they hope Cedric Soares will make his debut next month.
Ahead of their Europa League last-32, second-leg clash with Olympiacos – leading 1-0 from the first-leg – the Gunners provided an update on their squad.
And it’s bad news for left-back Kolasinac, whose right shoulder knock has been described as “significant”.
The Bosnian defender, 26, will now “undergo further specialist assessments during the week”.
But Mikel Arteta has been handed a boost, with Soares – yet to make his debut following his January loan move – back in training.
The club revealed the former Southampton star is “progressing well with gym work”.
Arsenal added Soares, 28, is “aiming to be in full training by the end of February”.
That could mean the right-back is ready to play as early as the Premier League clash at home to West Ham on March 7.
Elsewhere, Arsenal revealed left-back Kieran Tierney has stepped up his recovery after his latest setback.
The former Celtic star, 22, dislocated his right shoulder in the game against West Ham in December.
But the club have said “good progress is being made in rehabilitation process”.
Arsenal added Tierney has “commenced participation in group training sessions [and is] aiming to be back in full training by the end of February.”
For now, with Kolasinac and Tierney out, Arteta will likely persevere with winger Bukayo Saka at left-back, with the youngster impressing in 2020.
The Gunners are unbeaten so far this calendar year, with Saka just one star turning heads – with talk of an England call-up now doing the rounds.
